Village Head, 33 Others Arrested Over Policeman’s Death In Niger

By Christianah Oladosu,Osogbo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, has arrested a village head and 33 others in connection with the killing of Police Constable Emmanuel Shamsi and the burning of an NSCDC patrol vehicle by suspected illegal miners in Zuzungi, Katcha Local Government Area last week.

Addressing journalists on the incident, NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye said some of the suspects were apprehended at the village head’s residence, where they had been hiding following the crisis.

“Thirty-four suspects are currently in NSCDC custody. Nineteen were arrested at the village head’s residence in Zuzungi Gwari, Kataeregi, while fifteen others were intercepted on the road as they attempted to flee the community,” the Commandant stated.

The incident occurred last Wednesday during a routine joint patrol by the NSCDC, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the local Anti-Drugs Control (ADC) outfit in the mining area operated by Millennium Metals Mining Company. The patrol intercepted individuals engaged in illegal mining and attempting to smuggle minerals from the site.
Resistance by the illegal miners led to violent clashes.

“During the attack, the NSCDC patrol Hilux vehicle was set ablaze, and Police Constable Emmanuel Shamsi tragically lost his life in the line of duty. NSCDC and other security personnel tactically withdrew to prevent further escalation and casualties,” the Commandant said.