The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has changed the leadership of its Niger State Command following the deaths of 37 artisanal miners who were held in the custody of the Corps.
Abdullahi Salisu Kabara has been deployed to take over the command from Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, who was suspended after the deaths triggered investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Kabara’s deployment places him at the head of the Niger Command at a particularly sensitive moment, with the Corps facing scrutiny over the treatment and welfare of persons detained during its operations against illegal mining.
The change of command was announced on Saturday by the Niger State Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti.
According to Muti, Kabara has assumed office and acknowledged the gravity of the situation confronting the command following the deaths of the miners arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities.
The new commandant expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and others affected by the incident, describing the loss of lives as deeply painful.
“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,” Muti quoted Kabara as saying.
Kabara’s deployment comes as the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain a matter of official concern, with the suspension of his predecessor effectively separating the previous command leadership from the ongoing scrutiny.
The NSCDC has continued to maintain that combating illegal mining remains within its statutory responsibilities, including arrest, investigation and enforcement.
But Kabara stressed that those responsibilities must not be separated from the obligation to protect people in custody and ensure that law enforcement operations do not compromise their safety.
“The responsibility of protecting society and enforcing the law must go hand in hand with the responsibility to uphold the dignity, safety and welfare of persons in custody,” he said.
The statement indicated that the new commandant’s immediate assignment comes against the backdrop of heightened attention to custodial practices within the Niger Command.
The deaths have therefore placed both enforcement of mining regulations and the treatment of suspects in custody at the centre of attention as the Corps moves to restore normal command operations.
Kabara also extended his thoughts and prayers to the families mourning the deceased, saying the loss of any human life remained painful.
The NSCDC leadership change consequently marks a new phase for its Niger Command as investigations and other official processes relating to the deaths continue.
