The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has deployed a new commandant, Abdulhamid Kabara, to the Niger State Command amid the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.
Kabara replaces Suberu Aniviye, who was suspended as Niger NSCDC commandant after the 37 suspects died in Minna, the state capital, on Thursday.
The announcement was disclosed in a statement by the NSCDC spokesperson in Niger State, Abubakar Muti, on Saturday.
According to him, Kabara officially assumed office and took over the command on Friday, September 18.
“The assumption of office comes at a particularly sensitive period for the Command, following the unfortunate deaths of some persons arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in the State,” the statement reads.
The NSCDC spokesperson further stated that Kabara expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased and everyone affected by the unfortunate incident.
The new commandant said the corps remained committed to its statutory responsibilities, including arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, but stressed that the protection of human life must remain a priority.
“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.