The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the death of one of its officers, ASC II Aminu Eshin, following a violent clash between the Corps' Mining Marshal and suspected illegal miners in Niger State. The incident took place at a mining site in Korokpa Village, Paikoro Local Government Area, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, around 2pm.
Details of the clash
According to residents, the confrontation began when NSCDC operatives seized mining materials from artisanal miners. In response, the miners blocked the road to prevent the officers from removing the sand, leading to a violent confrontation. One resident described the scene: "The gunshots that happened in our community yesterday, you would think it was a battlefield. Civil Defence Corps personnel seized some mining materials from the artisanal miners and miners blocked the road to stop them from taking the sands away leading to a violent confrontation. One of the officers was stabbed with a knife and the Civil Defence Corps personnel shot some miners too."
Official confirmation
The Niger State Command spokesperson, DSC Abubakar Rabiu Muti, speaking on behalf of the State Commandant, confirmed the incident. He stated that the operatives came under a "coordinated and unprovoked attack" after the suspects sighted them and attempted to resist the enforcement operation. Muti explained that the patrol team called for reinforcement, but during the response, one of the responding officers was shot in the head by the suspected illegal miners. The deceased officer was rushed to a nearby medical facility but succumbed to his injuries despite efforts to save his life.
Aftermath and response
Residents also reported that some suspected illegal miners sustained gunshot injuries and were being treated at IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna. Muti said efforts are ongoing in collaboration with other security agencies to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice. He urged residents to remain law-abiding and provide credible information to support the fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities across the state.
