The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed Abdulhamid Kabara as the new commandant of its Niger State Command following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the agency.
Kabara assumed duty on Friday, September 18, taking over from Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, who was suspended amid investigations into the deaths in Minna, the Niger State capital. The leadership change comes as authorities face growing public concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In his first remarks after assuming office, Kabara expressed sadness over the loss of lives and sympathised with the families of the deceased and others affected by the incident.
“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,” Kabara said.
The new commandant said law enforcement responsibilities must be carried out alongside the protection of the dignity, safety and welfare of people in custody. He also reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to its statutory duties, including combating illegal mining.
The deployment follows directives from the Interior Ministry for a comprehensive investigation into the deaths. The NSCDC has said officers found to have breached the law, operational procedures or professional standards could face administrative, disciplinary or criminal sanctions, depending on the findings.
The Federal Government has also suspended several NSCDC officers in connection with the incident and constituted an independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has ordered forensic examinations and autopsies to help establish the exact cause of death.
The incident has heightened scrutiny of the treatment of detainees and the conduct of illegal-mining enforcement operations in Niger State. The investigation is expected to determine what happened to the suspects while in custody and whether any officials failed to follow established procedures.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by authorities to tackle illegal mining, which has raised security, environmental and regulatory concerns across several parts of Nigeria.
