Illegal mining

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.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has refuted claims of issuing any lease agreements to illegal miners found operating on university grounds. 

The university also revealed that they had previously reported these activities to the relevant federal government agencies to stop the illegal operations. 

The presence of illegal miners on campus raised concerns about the safety of students and staff.

Some miners claimed to have licenses to operate, but the university firmly denies granting such permission. 

In a statement released by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, on Saturday, OAU clarified their position: “While the University has, since becoming aware of the illegal activities of these miners, written a formal complaint to the appropriate government authorities, it is equally important to inform the general public that the claim of these trespassers are totally false.” 

The statement further notes that OAU has not granted permission for any mining activities on its land. 

“The University therefore wishes to use this medium to inform the general public, especially our alumni and other stakeholders, that the University did not give any consent to any individual, group, company or association to obtain any license to carry out mining activities on its land.” 

They reiterate that no agreements have been signed with any individual or group regarding mining activities. 

The university assures its stakeholders and the public that they are taking legal action to stop these “trespassers” who pose a significant environmental hazard and negatively impact the university’s image. 

They also confirm receiving assurances from federal authorities that their complaint is being addressed.