NSCDC operative killed during illegal mining raid in Niger

The Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC has confirmed the death of one of its operatives following an attack by suspected illegal miners during an enforcement operation in Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Muti, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at an illegal mining site in Korokpa Village.

According to him, operatives of the NSCDC Mining Marshal were on routine patrol when they came under attack from suspected illegal miners who resisted enforcement.

“The operatives called for reinforcement, and during the operation, one officer was shot in the head,” Mr Muti said.

He said the injured officer was rushed to a hospital but was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The statement said the State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, condemned the attack and described the deceased as a patriotic and courageous officer who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

Mr Aniviye assured that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had launched efforts to apprehend those behind the attack and bring them to justice.

He also appealed to residents to provide credible information that would assist security agencies in tackling illegal mining and related criminal activities across the state.