The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed Abdulhamid Kabara as the new commandant of its Niger State Command following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody in Minna.
Kabara replaces Suberu Aniviye, who was suspended after the detainees died during their detention in the Niger State capital.
The development was announced on Saturday by the Niger State NSCDC spokesperson, Abubakar Muti, who said Kabara formally assumed office on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Muti said the new commandant’s assumption of office came at a sensitive period for the command following the deaths of people arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in the state.
“The assumption of office comes at a particularly sensitive period for the Command, following the unfortunate deaths of some persons arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in the State.”
Kabara expressed sadness over the deaths and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and others affected by the incident.
The new commandant said the NSCDC remained committed to its statutory responsibilities, including arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, but stressed that the protection of human life must remain central to the work of the corps.
“At a moment like this, beyond arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, we must remember one fundamental truth: every human life matters.”
The change in command comes as federal and state authorities continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Federal Government has constituted an independent 10-member committee to investigate the incident, including the identities of those who died, the circumstances of their arrest and detention, the conditions in which they were held, and the cause of death.
The committee is also expected to determine whether negligence, misconduct or other forms of responsibility contributed to the deaths and make recommendations where necessary.
The Federal Government had earlier suspended Aniviye alongside other NSCDC personnel following the incident.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has also disclosed that some survivors of the detention have been discharged from hospital and reunited with their families, while others remain under medical care.
Bago said the survivors had been questioned by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS)and underwent medical examinations before some were released.
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