NSCDC Names New Niger Commandant After Deaths Of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has appointed Abdulhamid Kabara as the new Commandant of its Niger State Command following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the corps’ custody in Minna.

Kabara replaces Suberu Aniviye, whose suspension as the state commandant followed the deaths recorded on Thursday.

The NSCDC spokesman in Niger State, Abubakar Muti, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that Kabara formally assumed duty and took charge of the command on Friday, September 18.

The Federal Government had earlier directed the immediate suspension of Aniviye after the deaths of the 37 suspects.

Muti said the new commandant assumed office at a sensitive period for the command because of the incident involving persons arrested over suspected illegal mining activities in the state.

“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.

According to the statement, Kabara 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”.

The new commandant reaffirmed the corps’ responsibility to tackle illegal mining through arrests, investigations and enforcement. He, however, stressed that the protection of human life must remain a central consideration.

“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.”

Kabara also said law enforcement responsibilities must be carried out alongside measures that protect the dignity, safety and welfare of people held in custody.

His deployment comes amid ongoing attention to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners while they were in NSCDC custody in Minna.