The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has raised the alarm over renewed illegal mining activities in Niger State, warning that armed or forceful operations by suspected illegal miners are threatening residents and could trigger another major security crisis.

The newly posted NSCDC Commandant in Niger State, Abdulhamid Salisu Kabara, issued the warning on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during a familiarisation visit to the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, in Minna.

Kabara alleged that illegal miners had regrouped and resumed operations in large numbers despite the recent tragedy involving suspected miners who died in NSCDC custody.

He said some of the miners were allegedly using force to drive residents from their homes to gain access to mining locations, creating fear and insecurity in affected communities.

According to the commandant, the situation requires urgent intervention, warning that the alleged activities suggest some operators believe they are beyond the reach of the law.

He called on the Niger State House of Assembly to consider legislation prohibiting illegal mining, arguing that failure to address the situation could lead to another serious security crisis.

Kabara’s warning comes amid heightened scrutiny of mining enforcement in the state following the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC in September.

Fresh scrutiny after deaths in custody

The incident occurred after NSCDC personnel arrested suspected illegal miners during operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16.

The corps initially suggested that a suspected disease outbreak might have caused the deaths. However, a Federal Government investigative committee subsequently found that 33 detainees died from conditions linked to severe overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, extreme heat, dehydration and custodial negligence.

The committee’s findings, submitted in late October, identified serious failures in detention conditions and supervision. Fourteen of the deceased were reportedly minors.

The Federal Government had earlier ordered an independent investigation and suspended officers connected with the incident pending the outcome of the inquiry. The findings have intensified calls for accountability and stronger safeguards for people held in custody.

Kabara acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding his assumption of office, given the controversy and public concern generated by the deaths.

He pledged to restore discipline and professionalism within the corps, insisting that personnel must strictly observe operational procedures and rules of engagement.

The commandant stressed that the NSCDC’s responsibility to enforce the law must go hand in hand with protecting human life and treating people in its custody with dignity.

Assembly considers its role

Responding to Kabara, Sarkindaji assured him that the legislature would support efforts to address security challenges and rebuild public confidence in the corps.

The Speaker said the new commandant had a significant responsibility to repair relations between the NSCDC and residents following the deaths in custody.

He emphasised the need for sustained engagement with communities and institutional measures capable of restoring trust in the security agency.

On the proposed ban on illegal mining, Sarkindaji acknowledged that the regulation of mineral resources falls principally within the Federal Government’s legislative and regulatory jurisdiction. However, he argued that this should not prevent the state from taking lawful measures to protect residents and communities affected by mining activities.

The Speaker maintained that mining operations should not begin in a community without the consent of the host community, highlighting the need to consider residents’ interests and safety when decisions concerning mining activities are made.

He also pledged stronger cooperation between the Assembly and the NSCDC to help the corps perform its duties more effectively.

Calls for stronger enforcement and accountability

The renewed warning highlights the challenge facing authorities as they attempt to curb illegal mining while protecting communities from violence, displacement and other security threats.

Illegal mining can undermine community safety, create disputes over land and mineral resources, and complicate efforts to regulate mining operations. However, enforcement measures must remain lawful and proportionate, with suspected offenders afforded due process.

The Niger State Government and relevant federal authorities face growing pressure to clarify how illegal mining operations are being monitored, whether affected communities have adequate protection and what measures will prevent a recurrence of the September detention tragedy.

Kabara’s appeal to the Assembly places renewed attention on the need for coordinated action involving state authorities, federal mining regulators, security agencies, traditional institutions and host communities.

The immediate challenge is to address the reported resurgence of illegal mining without exposing residents or detainees to further harm, while ensuring that those responsible for criminal activities are dealt with under the law.