The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has named Abdulhamid Kabara as the new commandant of its Niger State Command, taking over the post on Friday, 18 September, after the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in NSCDC custody.
Kabara replaces Suberu Aniviye, who was suspended by the federal government following the incident that occurred on Thursday in Minna, the capital of Niger State, where the 37 detainees died.
NSCDC spokesperson Abubakar Muti announced that Kabara formally assumed office on Friday and 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.”
“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.
Kabara reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to its statutory duties—arrests, investigations, enforcement and combating illegal mining—while stressing that protecting human life and safeguarding the dignity, safety and welfare of persons in custody must remain a priority. The appointment comes as authorities face heightened scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected miners in NSCDC custody.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
