The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has redeployed Abdulhamid Kabara as the new Commandant of its Niger State Command, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the corps.
Kabara assumed office after his predecessor, Suberu Aniviye, was suspended by the Ministry of Interior over the incident, which has generated widespread public concern.
Speaking after taking over the command, Kabara expressed sadness over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and others affected by the incident.
He said although the NSCDC would continue to carry out its statutory duties, including arrest, investigation, enforcement and efforts to curb illegal mining, the protection of human life must remain a priority.
Kabara stressed that law enforcement responsibilities must be exercised alongside the protection of the dignity, safety and welfare of people held 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.”
The new commandant assured that the corps would continue to operate within the law while ensuring that the rights and welfare of detainees are respected.
He also prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and asked Allah to grant them eternal rest, while giving their families and loved ones the strength to cope with the loss.
The deaths triggered public anger and protests in Niger State, prompting Governor Umaru Bago to impose a 24-hour curfew in Minna, the state capital.
A survivor reportedly alleged that the suspects had been confined in a small room before an unidentified substance with an offensive smell was sprayed inside and the facility locked.
In response to the incident, President Bola Tinubu ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation, stressing that the government would not accept mass deaths resulting from alleged negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to safeguard people in their custody.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, subsequently announced the suspension of 20 NSCDC personnel over the reported deaths.
Those suspended included the Officer in Charge of the Station Guard, two station guards, three arresting officers and several personnel assigned to guard duties.
The minister also inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee headed by a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the suspected illegal miners.
