Niger: Illegal miners kill NSCDC officer in Kataeregi attack, burn patrol vehicle
Niger State Attack Claims Life of Security Officer
KATAEREGI, Niger State — A joint security patrol team was ambushed by suspected illegal miners on Wednesday, resulting in the death of one officer from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The assailants also set fire to an operational vehicle during the attack.
The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on February 11, 2026, in Zuzungi, where personnel from the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and local anti-drugs operatives, alongside Millennium Metals Mining Company, were conducting operations aimed at curbing illegal mining and preventing mineral smuggling.
According to the Niger State Command of the NSCDC, the patrol team had intercepted individuals reportedly involved in the illegal transportation of solid minerals when they were violently attacked by armed miners.
During the assault, the attackers set ablaze a NSCDC Hilux patrol vehicle. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the NSCDC State Commandant, condemned the attack through Public Relations Officer DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti. Aniviye characterized the incident as a barbaric affront to public authority and a threat to the nation’s economic security.
He emphasized that mining sites and solid mineral resources are designated as Critical National Assets under Nigerian law, and illegal mining constitutes economic sabotage. The NSCDC, Aniviye stated, is the lead agency tasked with protecting these resources and enforcing compliance alongside other security bodies.
He declared, “Those responsible for the killing and destruction will be pursued and prosecuted. There will be no refuge for those who commit violence against security personnel.” Aniviye warned illegal miners to vacate unauthorized sites immediately, stating that defiance would result in intensified enforcement actions and serious legal consequences.
“The NSCDC will not tolerate any violence, sabotage, or resistance against officers performing their lawful duties. Anyone involved in illegal mining or mineral smuggling will face arrest, investigation, and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.
The Command expressed condolences to the family of the deceased officer and confirmed that a comprehensive manhunt is underway. They encouraged local residents, particularly those in mining communities, to provide information that could assist in the investigation.
