Miners’ De@th: New NSCDC Commandant Assumes Duty In Niger

The newly redeployed State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, Commandant A.S. Kabara, has assumed office, taking over the leadership of the command from suspended Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.

According to a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abubakar Muti, Kabara officially resumed duty amid heightened concerns following the reported deaths of 37 artisanal miners in Minna.

The new commandant expressed sadness over the incident and sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives, as well as others affected by the tragedy.

Kabara reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to its statutory responsibilities, including arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining. However, he stressed that the protection and preservation of human life must remain a fundamental priority.

“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. 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 said.

The new commandant further emphasised that law enforcement and the protection of society must be carried out alongside respect for the dignity, safety and welfare of individuals in custody.

His assumption of office comes as authorities face increased scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the miners and broader concerns about the handling of persons in NSCDC custody.