NIGER SECURITY ATTACK: VILLAGE HEAD AMONG 34 TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

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By: Fasasi Hammad

At least 34 suspects have been apprehended in connection with the killing of a police officer during an attack on joint security operatives by illegal miners at Zuzungi Gwari in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.

Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, disclosed the arrests while briefing journalists on the recent incident involving NSCDC personnel, the police, and the state’s Anti-Drugs Control (ADC) team.

Commandant Aniviye stated that Police Constable Emmanuel Samson was killed during the assault, with the assailants also stealing his rifle, which was later recovered. Additionally, an NSCDC Hilux patrol vehicle was completely destroyed by fire.

He explained that 15 suspects were intercepted while attempting to flee the community, while the remaining 19, including the village head, were arrested after investigations revealed they had harbored the attackers.

The community reportedly mobilized to confront the reinforced security team during the evacuation.

“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, our operatives discovered that the village head had provided shelter to 19 of the suspects, effectively aiding their evasion,” Aniviye said.

The commandant noted that the mining site targeted is licensed to Millennium Metals Mining Company and that the security operatives had been deployed to protect the facility. He described the incident as a “coordinated attack on the patrol team.”

Aniviye further highlighted that the NSCDC Act (2003, amended 2007) empowers the Corps to safeguard mining facilities, prevent illegal mineral dealings, and protect national assets.

He assured that the Niger State Command remains committed to defending legitimate mining operations, tackling illegal mining activities, and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The commandant added that normalcy is gradually returning to the community with the continued presence of reinforced security personnel.