The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, has condemned what it described as a brutal attack by suspected illegal miners on a joint security patrol team at Zuzungi in Kataeregi, Niger State.
The deadly incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday during a routine enforcement operation targeting illegal mining and the smuggling of solid minerals from the area.
The joint patrol comprised personnel of the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), local security operatives known as the Anti-Drugs Control (ADC), and officials of Millennium Metals Mining Company.
According to a statement issued by the command, the team had intercepted individuals suspected of illegally transporting extracted minerals when they were ambushed by armed illegal miners.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the operatives, killing an NSCDC officer and setting ablaze an operational Hilux vehicle belonging to the corps.
Reacting to the incident, the State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abubakar Muti, described the assault as criminal, barbaric, and a direct attack on constituted authority and Nigeria’s economic stability.
Aniviye emphasized that mining sites and solid mineral resources are designated as critical national assets under Nigerian law, stressing that illegal mining amounts to economic sabotage.
Manhunt Underway
The commandant reaffirmed that the NSCDC remains the lead agency mandated to protect mining sites and enforce laws against illegal mining, in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Any person found engaging in illegal mining, mineral smuggling, or aiding such criminal enterprises will be arrested, thoroughly investigated, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he said.
He added that attacks on security personnel constitute grave offences, including murder, arson, economic sabotage, and conspiracy against the state, assuring that those responsible would be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.
Aniviye extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the slain officer, as well as to the Nigeria Police Force and the broader security community in Niger State, pledging that the fallen officer’s sacrifice would not be in vain.
A comprehensive manhunt has since been launched to track down the perpetrators.
The NSCDC also appealed to residents, particularly those in communities surrounding mining areas, to provide credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing investigations. It urged the public to remain calm and continue cooperating with law enforcement as security operations are intensified to restore order in the affected area.
Reiterating its resolve, the corps affirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives, protecting critical national assets, and defending the economic integrity of Niger State and the nation at large.
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