Police Officer Killed, NSCDC Vehicle Torched in Illegal Mining Attack in Niger State

Joint Security Patrol Attacked by Illegal Miners

A joint security patrol operating in Niger State, Nigeria, came under a violent attack by suspected illegal miners on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The incident, which occurred in Zuzungi village, near Kataeregi in the Bosso Local Government Area, resulted in the death of a police officer and the destruction of an operational vehicle belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Details of the Confrontation

The joint security team, comprising personnel from the NSCDC, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), local security operatives from the Anti-Drugs Control (ADC), and representatives of Millennium Metals Mining Company, was conducting a routine operation. Their mission was to curb illegal mining activities and prevent the smuggling of solid minerals from a mining site owned by Millennium Metals in the area. The confrontation began when the security operatives intercepted individuals suspected of illegally extracting and smuggling minerals. The illegal miners, sometimes referred to as 'daba boys,' resisted arrest, leading to a violent clash where the security personnel were reportedly overpowered. During the assault, PC Emmanuel Samson, a police officer attached to MOPOL 12 of the Police Mobile Force, Minna, who was on joint patrol with the NSCDC team, was reportedly beaten to death. Additionally, the attackers set ablaze an NSCDC operational Hilux vehicle, and the deceased officer's rifle was reportedly carted away.

Official Condemnation and Government Response

The attack has drawn strong condemnation from authorities. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, speaking through the Corps' Public Relations Officer, DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti, described the incident as 'unlawful, criminal and barbaric.' He characterized it as a 'direct assault on constituted authority and Nigeria's economic stability,' emphasizing that mining sites and solid mineral resources are classified as Critical National Assets under Nigerian law, making illegal mining an act of economic sabotage. Commandant Aniviye reiterated the NSCDC's role as the lead agency in protecting mining sites and enforcing laws against illegal mining, in collaboration with other security agencies. He issued a stern warning that individuals involved in illegal mining or violence against security personnel would be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted.

The Federal Government has also reacted to the killing. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, described the attack as a 'criminal murder' and vowed that the perpetrators would be tracked down and brought to justice. He assured that additional weapons and operational equipment would be deployed to strengthen mining marshals, underscoring the government's 'zero tolerance for all forms of illegal mining.' Security and intelligence agencies have been placed on red alert to apprehend those responsible.

Commitment to Combating Illegal Mining

Despite the tragic loss, authorities have affirmed their resolve to intensify efforts against illegal mining. The government's renewed enforcement drive is considered crucial as Nigeria seeks to reposition its solid minerals sector as a significant contributor to economic diversification. A manhunt has been launched for the perpetrators of the attack, with calls for local communities to provide credible information to aid investigations.