Illegal miners kill NSCDC officer during enforcement operation in Niger

Following a scuffle between operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and illegal miners, an NSCDC personnel was shot dead in Korokpa Village, Niger State.

Confirming the killing in a statement on Thursday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abubakar M.R. Muti, said the incident occurred on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at about 2 pm, when operatives of the NSCDC Mining Marshal were attacked by suspected illegal miners who resisted enforcement.

According to the statement, the officers called for reinforcement, and during the operation, one officer was shot in the head.

“He was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries,” the statement said.

The state commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, condemned the attack and described the deceased as a patriotic and courageous officer, adding that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, was working to arrest those responsible.

The statement urged residents to provide useful information to help curb illegal mining in the state.