Illegal miners kill NSCDC officer, burn patrol vehicle in Niger
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has condemned the killing of one of its personnel during an attack by suspected illegal miners at Zuzungi in Kataeregi area of the state.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday during a routine joint operation to curb illegal mining and prevent the smuggling of solid minerals.
The patrol team included operatives of the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force, a local vigilance group known as the Anti-Drugs Control (ADC), and officials of the Millennium Metals Mining Company.
According to a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abubakar Muti, the team had intercepted some suspects allegedly involved in moving illegally mined minerals when armed miners launched a violent assault on them.
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During the attack, an NSCDC officer was killed while an operational Hilux vehicle belonging to the corps was set ablaze.
State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, described the incident as barbaric and a direct challenge to lawful authority as well as Nigeria’s economic stability. He stressed that mining sites and solid mineral resources are designated as critical national assets, and illegal mining amounts to economic sabotage.
Aniviye reaffirmed that the NSCDC remains the lead agency responsible for the protection of mining locations and enforcement of regulations against illegal activities, working closely with other security outfits.
He warned that anyone found engaging in illegal mining, smuggling of minerals, or supporting such crimes would be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted.
The commandant added that attacking security personnel constitutes serious crimes, including murder, arson and conspiracy against the state, assuring that those behind the assault would be hunted down and made to face justice.
He extended condolences to the family of the deceased officer and the broader security community in Niger State.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, while residents, especially those in communities around mining sites, have been urged to provide useful information to aid investigations.
READ ALSO: Illegal Mining: Pregnant woman, 4 others killed in Niger State pit collapse
The NSCDC called for calm and pledged to intensify operations to restore order, reiterating its commitment to protecting lives and safeguarding critical national assets across the state.
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