MINNA – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, has raised the alarm over a violent attack by suspected illegal miners on a joint security patrol team on Wednesday at about 12:30 p.m.
The joint patrol team, comprising personnel of the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force and the Anti-Drugs Control (ADC), in collaboration with Millennium Metals Mining Company, was on a routine operation aimed at curbing illegal mining and preventing the smuggling of solid minerals from a mining site in the state.
According to the command, the team came under heavy attack while intercepting individuals suspected of illegally extracting and smuggling minerals from the area. During the incident, the assailants allegedly set ablaze an operational Hilux vehicle belonging to the NSCDC.
One officer of the corps was killed in the attack.
The Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, who spoke through the command’s spokesperson, DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti, described the incident as criminal and barbaric, and a direct assault on constituted authority and the nation’s economic stability.
Siyaka said the corps’ operations in the mining sector were backed by law, noting that mining sites and solid mineral resources are classified as critical national assets.
While illegal mining constitutes economic sabotage under Nigerian law.
He maintained that the corps remains the lead agency in the protection of mining sites and enforcement against illegal mining activities, in collaboration with other security agencies.
The commandant warned individuals and groups involved in illegal mining across Niger State to desist from such activities.
“We will not tolerate any act of violence, sabotage, or resistance against security personnel carrying out their lawful duties. Any person found engaging in illegal mining, mineral smuggling, or aiding such criminal enterprises will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he said.
He added that attacks on security operatives constitute grave criminal offences, including murder, arson, economic sabotage and conspiracy against the state, assuring that those responsible would be tracked down and brought to justice.
Siyaka advised illegal miners to immediately cease operations and vacate unauthorised mining sites, warning that continued defiance would attract intensified security operations and coordinated enforcement actions.
He extended condolences to the family of the fallen officer, the Nigeria Police Force and the security community in Niger State, assuring that justice would be pursued.
The command said a comprehensive manhunt had been launched to apprehend those responsible and urged members of the public, particularly communities around mining areas, to provide credible information to security agencies to assist ongoing investigations.
