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Niger NSCDC Gets New Commandant After 37 Suspected Miners Die in Custody
Abdulhamid Kabara has assumed office as Niger NSCDC commandant following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody in Minna.
The NSCDC has appointed Abdulhamid Kabara as the new commandant of its Niger State Command, days after 37 suspected illegal miners died while in custody.
Kabara takes over from Suberu Aniviye, who was suspended from his position as Niger State NSCDC commandant after the deaths occurred in Minna, the state capital, on Thursday.
The development was announced on Saturday by Abubakar Muti, spokesperson for the NSCDC in Niger State. Muti said Kabara assumed office and formally took charge of the command on Friday, September 18.
Aniviye’s suspension followed an order by the Federal Government for his immediate removal from the command pending further developments surrounding the incident.
According to the NSCDC statement, Kabara’s assumption of office comes at “a particularly sensitive period” for the command following the deaths of persons arrested over suspected illegal mining activities.
Muti said Kabara expressed “deep sadness over the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased and everyone affected by the unfortunate incident”.
The new commandant said the NSCDC would continue to carry out its statutory duties, including arrests, investigations, enforcement and efforts to combat illegal mining. He, however, emphasised that such responsibilities must not come at the expense of human life.
“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,” Kabara 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.”
Kabara further called for a balance between law enforcement and the protection of individuals in custody.
He said the duty of safeguarding society and enforcing the law must be accompanied by respect for the dignity, safety and welfare of people in custody.
His deployment comes as authorities face scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
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