The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has named and deployed a new commandant, Abdulhamid Kabara, to the Niger State Command amid the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.
Kabara succeeds Suberu Aniviye, who was removed by the Ministry of Interior following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in the state.
The deployment of the new state commandant coincides with widespread public concern generated by the custodial deaths.
Expressing deep regret over the incident, Kabara offered his condolences to the bereaved families and all those affected by the tragedy.
He stressed that the sanctity of human life must remain paramount, even as the corps fulfills its statutory mandates of arrest, investigation, enforcement, and curbing illegal mining.
Kabara emphasized that upholding the law and protecting society must align with safeguarding the dignity, safety, and welfare of individuals in custody.
“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.”
He assured that the corps will carry out its duties strictly within the framework of the law while ensuring the protection of the rights and well-being of detainees.
Backstory…
The deployment of a new commandant follows the suspension of the former Niger State NSCDC commandant, Suberu Aniviye, after 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the Corps’ custody in Minna.
The victims were among scores of people arrested during NSCDC operations at mining sites around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The Corps said the arrests were part of efforts to tackle illegal mining, which authorities have linked to the destruction of farmlands and residential areas in affected communities.
However, the incident angered residents and sparked a protest in the state, prompting the Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, to declare a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital.
A survivor reported that the detainees were confined in a small cell before an offensive liquid substance was sprayed on them and the room was sealed.
In response to the incident, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced on Saturday the suspension of 20 officers connected to the reported custodial deaths of the 37 suspects.
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