An officer with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was shot dead during a confrontation with illegal miners in Korokpa Village, Niger State. The killing happened on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, around 2 pm, when the NSCDC Mining Marshal team came under fire while enforcing regulations against unlicensed mining operations.
DSC Abubakar M.R. Muti, the command's public relations officer, confirmed the incident in a statement released Thursday.
He explained that the miners opened fire when operatives tried to stop their illegal activities.
The officer was shot in the head during the exchange and rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. He died from his wounds before medical staff could save him.
Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the state commandant, strongly condemned the attack. He described the dead officer as devoted and brave, saying his death was a loss to the corps and the nation.
The commandant said the NSCDC would work with other security agencies to track down those responsible for the killing. He promised justice for the slain officer and his family.
In the statement, authorities urged residents across Niger State to share information that could help stop illegal mining. They said community cooperation was critical to tackling the problem and preventing future violence.
