NSCDC, Police, Other Security Agencies Don’t Reports Directly To Me — Niger Governor

Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has revealed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the police, the Department of State Security Service ( DSS) and other federal security agencies operating in the state do not report directly to him.

Bago made the revelation during a live interview on Channels Television on Sunday while responding to questions surrounding the arrests, deaths of suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody and the state of the detention facility.

The governor who explained that the security agencies involved in the arrest and detention of the suspected illegal miners are federal agencies and operate under their respective authorities, however revealed that the detention facility was new and contrary to claims but complained about the capacity.

Governor Bago said the state government does not have full control over expatriates operating in the mining sector, noting that the regulation of mineral resources remains largely under the control of the federal government.

He said mining in Niger State had grown beyond artisanal activities, with expatriates and other investors involved in the exploration and exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.

According to the governor, the state government had been exploring ways to work with relevant stakeholders and investors through partnerships that would enable the state to derive greater benefits from its mineral resources while ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly.

Bago said the government was also concerned about the conditions under which many artisanal miners operate, particularly the lack of adequate protective equipment, proper accommodation and other forms of support.

He maintained that the state needed a structured approach to mining that would protect local communities, provide opportunities for residents and ensure that the benefits of the state’s mineral wealth were not lost to unregulated activities.