The newly deployed Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abdulhamid Kabara, has assumed office amid investigations into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the corps.
Kabara took over from Suberu Aniviye, who was suspended by the Federal Ministry of Interior following the deaths of the suspects in Minna, the Niger State capital.
Speaking after assuming duty, Kabara expressed sadness over the incident and sympathised with the families of the deceased.
He said the NSCDC remained committed to its statutory responsibilities, including arrest, investigation, law enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, but stressed that the rights and safety of people in custody must not be compromised.
“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.
He added that law enforcement responsibilities must be carried out alongside the protection of the dignity and welfare of detainees.
“The loss of any human life is painful, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are mourning at this difficult time,” he said.
The deaths had triggered public outrage in Niger State and led to protests by residents. The development also prompted Governor Umaru Bago to impose a 24-hour curfew in Minna.
A survivor reportedly alleged that the suspects were confined in a small room where an unidentified substance was sprayed before the room was locked.
Following the incident, President Bola Tinubu directed that a full investigation be conducted, stressing that the government would not accept mass deaths resulting from negligence or failure by public officials to safeguard persons under their care.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, subsequently announced the suspension of 20 NSCDC personnel over the incident.
Those affected include the Officer-in-Charge of the Station Guard, two station guards, three arresting officers and several officers assigned to guard duties.
The minister also constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee headed by a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
