An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), identified as Assistant Superintendent of Corps II (ASC II) Aminu Eshin, has been killed during a violent confrontation between security operatives and suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
The incident occurred at a mining site in Korokpa Village, Paikoro Local Government Area, while members of the NSCDC Mining Marshal unit were on a routine patrol to enforce regulations against illegal mining activities.
According to reports, the confrontation began after operatives confiscated mining materials from suspected illegal miners. The situation escalated when the miners allegedly blocked the security team from leaving the area, leading to a violent clash.
Residents said the confrontation turned chaotic, with one NSCDC officer reportedly attacked with a knife, while gunfire also erupted during the incident. Some of the suspected illegal miners were said to have sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital in Minna for treatment.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the NSCDC in Niger State, DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti, said the operatives came under what he described as a coordinated attack while carrying out their lawful duties.
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He explained that reinforcement was deployed after the patrol team encountered resistance. During the operation, one of the responding officers, Aminu Eshin, sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to a nearby medical facility but was later confirmed dead despite efforts to save his life.
The NSCDC said security agencies have launched efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack. The corps also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing investigations and support the fight against illegal mining in the state.
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