VILLAGE HEAD AMONG 34 ARRESTED OVER DEADLY ATTACK ON SECURITY OPERATIVES IN NIGER

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By: Muftau Fatimo

No fewer than 34 individuals have been taken into custody over the killing of a police officer during an assault on joint security personnel by suspected illegal miners in Zuzungi Gwari, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, revealed this while addressing journalists on the incident involving NSCDC officers, the police, and the state’s Anti-Drugs Control (ADC) team.

According to him, Police Constable Emmanuel Samson lost his life in the attack. His service rifle was taken by the assailants but was later recovered. The attackers also set an NSCDC Hilux patrol vehicle ablaze, completely destroying it.

He stated that 15 suspects were apprehended while trying to escape the community, while another 19 — including the village head — were later arrested after investigations indicated they had sheltered the attackers.

According to him, some members of the community mobilized and attempted to challenge the reinforced security team during the evacuation process.

“Acting on credible intelligence, our operatives uncovered that the village head had harbored 19 suspects, thereby aiding their escape,” Aniviye explained.

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The Commandant added that the mining site in question is legally operated by Millennium Metals Mining Company, and security personnel had been deployed to protect the facility. He described the incident as a “coordinated assault on the patrol team.”

Aniviye also stressed that the NSCDC Act of 2003 (amended in 2007) authorizes the Corps to safeguard mining sites, curb illegal mineral activities, and protect critical national assets.

He reaffirmed that the Niger State Command remains resolute in defending lawful mining operations, tackling illegal mining, and ensuring the protection of lives and property.

He added that normalcy is gradually being restored in the community with the presence of reinforced security personnel.