Village head among 34 arrested after deadly attack on security operatives in Niger
At least 34 individuals have been arrested in connection with the killing of a police officer during an attack on security operatives by illegal miners in Zuzungi Gwari, located in the Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State.
Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, provided details during a press briefing about the incident involving NSCDC personnel, local police, and the Anti-Drugs Control team.
According to Aniviye, Police Constable Emmanuel Samson was killed in the attack, during which the assailants also stole his rifle. That weapon has since been recovered. Additionally, an NSCDC Hilux patrol vehicle was completely destroyed by fire.
Fifteen suspects were apprehended while attempting to flee the scene, while the remaining 19 individuals, including the village head, were arrested on evidence indicating they had sheltered the attackers. Reports indicate that community members attempted to confront the security team during the operation.
“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, our operatives discovered that the village head had provided shelter to 19 of the suspects, effectively aiding their evasion,” Aniviye stated.
The mining site involved is licensed to Millennium Metals Mining Company, and security operatives had been deployed to protect the facility. Aniviye characterized the incident as a “coordinated attack” on the patrol team.
He reaffirmed that the NSCDC Act, amended in 2007, empowers the Corps to protect mining facilities, prevent illegal mineral dealings, and safeguard national assets. The Commandant expressed the agency’s commitment to protecting legitimate mining operations and addressing illegal mining activities.
Aniviye added that normalcy is gradually being restored in the community due to the presence of reinforced security personnel.
