The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested a village head and 33 other suspects over the killing of a police officer and the burning of an NSCDC patrol vehicle during a violent attack by suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
The incident occurred in the Zuzungi area of Katcha Local Government Area, where a joint security team came under heavy attack while on routine patrol of a mining site operated by Millennium Metals Mining Company.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Minna on Saturday.
He said the patrol team, comprising personnel of the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force and a local security outfit known as Anti-Drugs Control, had intercepted individuals allegedly engaged in illegal mining and mineral smuggling at about 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11.
According to him, the suspects responded violently.
“Upon interception, the illegal miners mobilised and launched a coordinated attack on the patrol team,” Aniviye said.
“During the attack, our patrol Hilux vehicle was set ablaze, and a police officer, Constable Emmanuel Shamsi, tragically lost his life in the line of duty.”
He added that the security team made a tactical withdrawal to prevent further casualties and escalation of violence.
The commandant said the corps immediately launched a special operation based on credible intelligence to track down those responsible for the attack.
He revealed that 15 suspects were arrested while attempting to flee the community, while 19 others including the village head — were apprehended at the traditional ruler’s residence in the Zuzungi Gwari area of Kataeregi, where the perpetrators allegedly took refuge.
“All 34 suspects are currently in our custody. Investigation is ongoing, and they will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Aniviye stated.
The latest development underscores growing concerns over illegal mining activities in parts of Niger State, which security agencies say have become increasingly linked to violent resistance, arms proliferation and attacks on law enforcement personnel.
Authorities have vowed to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations across mining communities to curb illegal extraction and ensure compliance with mining regulations.
The NSCDC boss warned that anyone found aiding or abetting illegal mining activities would face the full weight of the law.
He also assured residents that security agencies remain committed to restoring order and safeguarding lives and property in affected communities.
Constable Shamsi’s death adds to the rising toll of security personnel killed in the line of duty while combating economic sabotage and criminality in mining belts across the country.
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