Suspected illegal miners on Wednesday launched a deadly attack on a joint security patrol team in Kataeregi community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, killing one officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and setting an operational vehicle ablaze.
The attack occurred at about 12:30 hours on February 11 at Zuzungi, when a joint patrol comprising personnel of the NSCDC, Nigeria Police Force and local security operatives known as Anti-Drugs Control, ADC, in collaboration with Millennium Metals Mining Company, was carrying out a lawful operation to curb illegal mining and prevent mineral smuggling.
According to the Niger State Command, NSCDC, the team had intercepted individuals suspected to be illegally transporting solid minerals when armed illegal miners launched a violent assault on the operatives.
During the attack, the assailants set fire to an NSCDC Hilux patrol vehicle.
The State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, who spoke through the Public Relations Officer, DSC Abubakar Muti, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and a direct affront to constituted authority and Nigeria’s economic security.
He emphasised that mining sites and solid mineral resources are classified as Critical National Assets under the Nigerian law and illegal mining amounts to economic sabotage.
The corps, he said, remains the lead agency in protecting mining assets and enforcing compliance in partnership with other security agencies.
Commandant Aniviye vowed that “those responsible for the killing and destruction would be hunted down and prosecuted. There would be no hiding place for perpetrators of violence against security personnel.”
He warned all illegal miners to immediately vacate unauthorised sites, stating that continued defiance would attract intensified enforcement operations and severe legal consequences.
“NSCDC will not tolerate violence, sabotage or resistance against officers performing lawful duties. Anyone involved in illegal mining, mineral smuggling or aiding of such crimes will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he said.
The command extended condolences to the family of the fallen officer and assured that a comprehensive manhunt has commenced.
He urged members of the public, particularly residents around mining communities to provide useful information to aid investigations.
