The newly deployed State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, Abdulhamid Kabara, has assumed office amid an ongoing investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the corps.
Kabara took over the leadership of the command from Suberu Aniviye, who was suspended by the Ministry of Interior following the reported deaths.
His assumption of office comes amid heightened public concern over the incident, which has sparked protests and prompted calls for accountability.
Kabara expressed sadness over the loss of lives and commiserated with the families of the deceased and others affected by the incident.
He said while the NSCDC remained committed to its statutory responsibilities, including arrest, investigation, enforcement and combating illegal mining, the sanctity of human life must remain paramount.
The new commandant stressed that law enforcement and the protection of society must go hand in hand with safeguarding the dignity, safety and welfare of people 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.”
Kabara assured that the command would continue to discharge its responsibilities within the framework of the law while upholding the rights and welfare of persons in its custody.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant them eternal rest and give their families, relatives and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
The deaths of the suspected illegal miners sparked anger among residents and led to protests in the state. The development prompted Niger State Governor Umaru Bago to impose a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital.
One of the survivors alleged that the suspects were held in a small room where an unpleasant substance was sprayed before the cell was locked. The allegation is expected to form part of the ongoing investigation.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation, saying the government would not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect people placed in their care.
On Saturday, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the suspension of 20 NSCDC officers in connection with the reported deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners.
Those suspended included the Officer in Charge of the Station Guard, two station guards, three arresting officers and several guard-duty officers.
Tunji-Ojo also constituted a 10-member independent committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure, to investigate the reported deaths of the suspects detained over alleged illegal mining.
