A joint security operation to clamp down on illegal mining in Niger State ended in tragedy after armed assailants attacked patrol officers, killing a police officer and setting an official vehicle ablaze.
The violent incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Zuzungi village near Kataeregi in Bosso Local Government Area. The patrol team—made up of personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Anti-Drugs Control unit—was on a routine operation to curb illegal mining and mineral smuggling in collaboration with Millennium Metals Mining Company.
Ambush During Routine Patrol
According to security officials, the team came under a sudden and coordinated attack while attempting to intercept suspected illegal miners operating around the site. In the chaos, attackers reportedly set fire to a Hilux patrol vehicle belonging to the NSCDC.
One police officer lost his life during the assault.
NSCDC Clarifies Reports
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 12, the Niger State spokesperson of the NSCDC, DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti, corrected reports circulating in parts of the media suggesting that an NSCDC officer was killed.
He clarified that the fallen officer was a member of the Nigeria Police Force, not the Civil Defence Corps.
“While we deeply mourn the loss of our sister agency’s officer who paid the supreme price in the line of duty, it is important to set the record straight and correct the misinformation being circulated,” he said.
The NSCDC urged journalists and the public to rely on verified information from official sources to prevent panic and misrepresentation of facts.
“An Attack on the State” — Commandant Reacts
The Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, condemned the attack, describing it as criminal, barbaric, and a direct challenge to constituted authority.
He stressed that mining sites and solid mineral resources are classified as critical national assets under Nigerian law, adding that illegal mining amounts to economic sabotage.
“We will not tolerate any act of violence, sabotage, or resistance against security personnel carrying out their lawful duties,” he warned.
Manhunt Launched, Public Urged to Assist
Authorities have launched a comprehensive manhunt to track down those responsible for the attack. The commandant warned that anyone found engaging in illegal mining, mineral smuggling, or aiding such activities would be arrested and prosecuted.
He also cautioned that attacks on security personnel constitute serious offences, including murder, arson, and conspiracy against the state.
The NSCDC called on communities around mining areas to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to support ongoing investigations.
Condolences and Renewed Resolve
The command extended condolences to the family of the fallen officer, the Nigeria Police Force, and the wider security community in Niger State, assuring them that justice would be pursued.
Despite the deadly setback, officials reaffirmed their commitment to inter-agency collaboration and sustained enforcement against illegal mining activities across the state.
Source: Africa Publicity
