By YM Bina

Thirty four (34) suspects have been arrested in connection with the the killing of a police officer during the attack on the joint security operatives by the illegal miners at Zuzungi Gwari in Katcha local government area of Niger state.

The Niger State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye made the disclosure while speaking to journalists on the update of the recent attack on the joint security operatives between NSCDC in collaboration with the police force, and the local Anti-Drugs Control (ADC) in the state.

He stated that a police custable Emmanuel Samson was killed with matched and they escaped with his rifle but was later retrieved, while the NSCDC Hilux patrol vehicle was burnt down completely.

According to him, 15 of the suspects were intercepted while trying to flee the community and the other 19 suspects including the village head were arrested, hence, the community mobilized and attempted to further attack the reenforced team who wants for evacuation.

The Commandant added that acting swiftly on credible intelligence those responsible for the attack discovered that the village head was accomplice as 19 of the suspects were harboured in his house for protection from arrest.

He maintained that the said mining site is a licensed by Millennium Metals Mining Company and security operatives were employed to safeguard the site. Described the attack as a ‘coordinated attack launched on the patrol team’.

Siyaka Aniviye hinted that the NSCDC Act 2003 as amended in 2007 empowered the Corps to safeguard mining facilities and prevent illegal dealings in solid minerals while also safeguarding the national assets.

He however, vowed that the Niger State Command remains committed to protecting legitimate mining operations, combating illegal mining activities and ensuring the safety of lives and property. Saying that normalcy is being restored in the community with a reinforced security operatives.