NSCDC Mining Marshals Refute Claims of Fatal Operation Involvement

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals, led by Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah, denied any involvement in a September 16 operation at M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna, Niger State, where fatalities occurred.

Attah stated that the suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, misrepresented the command structure by claiming he deployed Mining Marshals personnel to the site. Attah emphasized that the Mining Marshals operate exclusively from the national headquarters and are not attached to state commands.

He clarified that Aniviye had no authority to deploy the unit for any operation. The ongoing investigation by the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission of Inquiry into the incident has prompted these clarifications.

Attah maintained that the unit's operational records confirm no personnel were involved in the operation and defended the conduct of the Mining Marshals as professional and compliant with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.