The newly deployed Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdulhamid Kabara, has assumed office with a pledge to uphold the sanctity of human life and ensure the safety and welfare of persons in the custody of the Corps.
Kabara took over the command from Suberu Aniviye, who was suspended by the Federal Government following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Minna, the Niger State capital.
His assumption of office on Friday came as the incident continued to attract public concern, with the Federal Government launching an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Speaking after taking over the command, Kabara expressed sadness over the loss of lives and commiserated with the families of the deceased and others affected by the incident.
He said the NSCDC would continue to perform its statutory duties, including arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, but stressed that such responsibilities must be carried out with due regard for human life and dignity.
“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.
The new commandant further stressed that the responsibility of enforcing the law and protecting society must go hand in hand with safeguarding the rights, dignity and welfare of people held in custody.
“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 added.
Kabara assured that the command would continue to operate within the framework of the law while maintaining the required standards in the treatment of persons in its custody.
He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for God to give their families and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
The development followed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who had been detained by the Niger State Command of the NSCDC. The Corps had initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while a survivor reportedly alleged that detainees were held in an overcrowded room where an unpleasant substance was sprayed before the room was locked. The exact cause and circumstances of the deaths remain subject to investigation.
The deaths triggered protests in Minna and prompted the Niger State Government to impose a curfew following unrest in the state capital. Reports from the incident said the deaths had generated anger among residents and relatives of the victims.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently ordered a full, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, saying the government would not tolerate deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect people placed under their care.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Saturday announced the suspension of 20 NSCDC officers in connection with the incident, in addition to the suspended Niger State commandant.
The Federal Government also constituted a 10-member independent committee chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, to investigate the deaths.
The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, examine their arrest and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths and establish whether there was responsibility, negligence, misconduct or complicity.
The panel, which has two weeks to submit its report, may also access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected with the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.
Tunji-Ojo directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation and preserve all records and material evidence connected with the incident.
“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” the minister warned.
The investigation is expected to determine what led to the deaths and provide an official account of events at the NSCDC facility, while Kabara begins his tenure in the Niger State Command against the backdrop of the controversy.
