Fatal Assault on Joint Security Patrol by Illegal Miners in Niger State

Overview of the Incident

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a joint security patrol team was violently attacked by suspected illegal miners in Zuzungi village, near Kataeregi, within Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State. This confrontation tragically resulted in the death of a police officer.

Details of the Joint Operation

The patrol team, composed of personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Anti-Drugs Control (ADC), was conducting a routine operation in partnership with Millennium Metals Mining Company. Their mission focused on curbing illegal mining activities and halting the illicit smuggling of solid minerals from mining sites across the state.

During the operation, the team intercepted individuals suspected of unauthorized mineral extraction and smuggling, which provoked a fierce attack from the assailants. The attackers also set fire to an NSCDC Hilux vehicle used in the operation.

Clarification on Casualty Reports

In the aftermath, misinformation circulated in some media outlets claiming that an NSCDC officer was killed. However, DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti, the NSCDC Niger State Command spokesperson, clarified on February 12 that the fatality was a member of the Nigeria Police Force, not the NSCDC. He emphasized the importance of verifying facts from official sources to prevent the spread of inaccurate information that could cause public alarm.

Official Statements and Condemnations

Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, condemned the attack as a criminal and barbaric act, describing it as a direct challenge to lawful authority and a threat to Nigeria’s economic stability. He reiterated that mining sites and solid mineral resources are protected as critical national assets under Nigerian law, and illegal mining is classified as economic sabotage.

He affirmed that the NSCDC remains the lead agency responsible for safeguarding mining operations and enforcing laws against illegal mining, working closely with other security agencies to maintain order.

Legal and Security Implications

The commandant issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in illegal mining activities across Niger State, stating that any acts of violence, sabotage, or resistance against security personnel will not be tolerated. Offenders will face arrest, thorough investigation, and prosecution under the full weight of the law.

He further highlighted that attacks on security operatives constitute serious criminal offenses, including murder, arson, economic sabotage, and conspiracy against the state. The authorities have launched an extensive manhunt to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Call for Community Support and Ongoing Efforts

The NSCDC urged local communities near mining areas to assist security agencies by providing credible intelligence to aid investigations. The commandant also appealed to illegal miners to immediately cease unauthorized operations and vacate mining sites to avoid intensified enforcement actions.

Expressing condolences to the family of the fallen police officer and the wider security community in Niger State, the NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to justice and the protection of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

Context and Broader Impact

Illegal mining remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting a 15% increase in unauthorized mining activities in 2025 alone. Such activities not only undermine economic growth but also pose serious security risks to law enforcement personnel and local communities. This recent attack underscores the urgent need for coordinated security measures and community engagement to combat illegal mining nationwide.