The newly deployed State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, Abdulhamid Kabara, has assumed duty.
Kabara took over the leadership of the command from Suberu Aniviye, who was suspended by the Ministry of Interior over the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the NSCDC in the state.
The new Niger State commandant’s assumption of office comes amid heightened public concern following the deaths of the suspected illegal miners.
Kabara said he was saddened over the loss of lives and commiserated with the families of the deceased and all those affected by the incident.
He said while the corps remains committed to its statutory responsibilities of arrest, investigation, enforcement and combating illegal mining, the sanctity of human life must remain paramount.
Kabara stressed that the responsibility of enforcing the law and protecting society must go hand in hand with ensuring the dignity, safety and welfare of persons 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.”
He assured that the corps would continue to carry out its duties within the framework of the law while upholding the rights and welfare of persons in its custody.
The commandant prayed that Almighty Allah forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, grant them eternal rest, and give their families, relatives, and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The death of the suspected illegal miners angered residents and sparked a protest in the state, prompting the Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, to declare a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital.
One of the survivors alleged that the suspects were kept in a small room, where an unpleasant substance was sprayed before the cell was locked.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation, saying that the government would not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty, or failure by public officials to protect the lives placed under their care.
On Saturday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspension of 20 NSCDC officers in connection with the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners.
Among those suspended were the O/C Station Guard, two station guards, three arresting officers, and several guard duty officers.
Tunji-Ojo also constituted a 10-member independent committee, chaired by a retired Deputy Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure, to investigate the reported deaths of the victims on suspicion of illegal mining.
