NSCDC Deploys New Commandant to Niger State after Deaths of 37 ‘Illegal Miners’ in Custody

Abdulhamid Kabara has been deployed as the new commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger state.

Kabara’s deployment followed the suspension of Suberu Aniviye as commandant of the Niger NSCDC command after 37 suspected illegal miners died in the corps’ custody in Minna, the state capital, on Thursday.

Abubakar Muti, NSCDC spokesperson in Niger state, said in a statement on Saturday that Kabara formally assumed office and took over the leadership of the command on Friday, September 18.

The federal government had ordered Aniviye’s immediate suspension following the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners.

“The assumption of office comes at a particularly sensitive period for the Command, following the unfortunate deaths of some persons arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in the State,” the statement reads.

Muti said Kabara, the new commandant, expressed “deep sadness over the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased and everyone affected by the unfortunate incident”.

According to the command spokesperson, Kabara stressed that while the corps remains committed to its statutory responsibilities of arrest, investigation, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, the sanctity of human life must remain paramount.

“At a moment like this, beyond arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, we must remember one fundamental truth: every human life matters,” he said.

“The loss of any human life is painful, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are mourning at this difficult time.”

The new commandant stressed that the responsibility of protecting society and enforcing the law must go hand in hand with the task to uphold the dignity, safety and welfare of persons in custody.