NSCDC Officer Killed Amid Sand Dredging Clash in Rivers

A personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was shot dead in Rivers State amid a clash that reportedly involved government officials enforcing a ban on sand dredging. The incident occurred when an NSCDC officer accidentally discharged his rifle, killing a man identified as Bright at a sand dump site.

Following this, the officer was attacked and shot dead by suspected hoodlums. The NSCDC confirmed the incident but declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

The local government area, led by Chairman Chima Njoku, issued a statement suspending operations of sand tipper drivers in the area until further notice. This decision was made in light of the death of the NSCDC officer, who was on surveillance duty alongside officials from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

The ministry had previously placed a ban on sand dredging activities in the region due to environmental concerns.