NSCDC Appoints New Niger Commandant After Miners Die in Custody

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed Abdulhamid Kabara as commandant of its Niger State Command following the deaths of 37 illegal miners in custody.

Kabara formally assumed office on Friday, September 18, according to Niger State command spokesperson Abubakar Muti.

He replaces Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, who was suspended after the deaths occurred in Minna, the state capital.

The Federal Government ordered Aniviye’s suspension and directed a full investigation into the deaths. The NSCDC also ordered key officers in the Niger Command to appear before an investigative panel.

Kabara described his deployment as coming at a sensitive period for the command, following the loss of lives of persons arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities.

He expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and others affected.

The new commandant said the corps remained committed to its statutory responsibilities, including arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining.

However, he stressed that protecting human life must remain a priority in every security operation.

Kabara said law enforcement responsibilities must be balanced with the need to protect the dignity, safety and welfare of people in custody.

The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas between September 15 and 16.

The NSCDC initially cautioned against speculation over the cause of the deaths, saying reports attributing them to a specific disease had not been medically confirmed.

President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive and transparent investigation, with instructions that officials found responsible through abuse, negligence or misconduct should face appropriate action.

The Federal Government has also suspended 20 NSCDC officers connected with the detention process and constituted a 10-member committee to investigate the incident.

The committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, has two weeks to establish the identities of the deceased and examine the circumstances surrounding their arrests, detention and deaths.

It is also expected to determine whether negligence, misconduct or other responsibility contributed to the incident and recommend appropriate measures.

Kabara’s assumption of office comes as the command faces scrutiny over custodial procedures, accountability and detainee treatment during security operations in the state.