NSCDC Condemns Deadly Attack by Illegal Miners Kills One, Burnt Vehicle in Niger Community

By YM Bina

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, has condemned the violent and unprovoked attack carried out by suspected illegal miners on a joint security patrol team killing one person.

This is contained in a new issued by the command PRO, DSC Ibrahim Rabiu Muti said that the joint patrol team, consisting personnel of the NSCDC, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), and Anti-Drugs Control (ADC), in collaboration with Millennium Metals Mining Company, on a routine operation aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and preventing the unlawful smuggling of solid minerals from the mining site.

While intercepting individuals suspected to be illegally smuggling extracted minerals from the mining area, the security team came under heavy attack by armed illegal miners.

During the incident, an officer paid the supreme price in the line of duty while

the assailants set ablaze one operational Hilux vehicle belonging to the NSCDC security team.

According to Muti, the State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye,  described the attack as criminal, barbaric, and a direct assault on constituted authority and Nigeria’s economic stability.

Commandant Aniviye emphasized that the operations of the Corps in the mining sector are firmly backed by law, the

Mining sites and solid mineral resources are classified as Critical National Assets, and illegal mining constitutes economic sabotage under Nigerian law.

He added that the Corps remains the lead agency in the protection of mining sites and enforcement against illegal mining activities in collaboration with other security agencies.

The Commandant issued a strong and unequivocal warning to all individuals and groups involved in illegal mining activities across Niger State.

The NSCDC will not tolerate any act of violence, sabotage, or resistance against security personnel carrying out lawful duties. Any person found engaging in illegal mining, mineral smuggling, or aiding such criminal enterprises will be arrested, thoroughly investigated, and prosecuted to the full extant of the law.

He emphasized that attacks on security operatives constitute grave criminal offences, including murder, arson, economic sabotage, and conspiracy against the State, and will tracked down and brought to justice hence a comprehensive manhunt has been launched to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.

The Corps remains resolute, prepared, and fully committed to dismantling illegal mining networks threatening the economic security of Niger State.

The Commandant extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen officer, the Nigerian Police Force, and the entire security community in Niger State, assuring that justice will be pursued diligently.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps remains committed to safeguarding lives, protecting critical national assets, and defending the economic integrity of Niger State and the nation at large.