An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been killed during an enforcement operation against illegal mining activities in Korokpa Village, Niger State.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC Niger State Command, DSC Abubakar M. R. Muti, the incident occurred at about 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, when operatives of the NSCDC Mining Marshal were conducting a patrol at an illegal mining site.
The Command said the patrol team came under attack from suspected illegal miners who allegedly resisted the enforcement operation. As the situation escalated, the operatives requested reinforcement.
During the operation, one NSCDC officer sustained a gunshot wound to the head. He was immediately evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment but later died from his injuries, according to the statement.
Reacting to the incident, the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, condemned the attack and described the slain officer as a patriotic and courageous personnel who died in the line of duty.
The Commandant said the Corps is collaborating with other security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack, adding that efforts are ongoing to ensure they are brought to justice.
The NSCDC also appealed to residents to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in tackling illegal mining and related criminal activities across the state.