- Illegal miners attack security operatives during patrol at mining site
- Police officer killed while on joint operation with NSCDC
- Patrol Hilux vehicle set ablaze by angry mob
- Mining materials seized before violence erupted
Illegal miners have launched a deadly attack on security operatives at a mining site, resulting in the killing of a police officer and the burning of a patrol vehicle. The violent incident occurred at the Millennium Metals mining site in the Zunzungi area, where operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Police Mobile Force were enforcing mining security laws.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the incident happened at about 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday during a routine patrol by security personnel assigned to protect mining materials at the Millennium Metals site.
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The operatives reportedly intercepted a group of local youths, commonly known as “daba boys,” who were allegedly engaged in illegal mining activities. The group was said to be digging for monazite, locally called “zeiko,” without authorization.
During the operation, officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps seized the illegally mined materials. However, the situation quickly turned violent after the suspects regrouped and mobilised other youths from the area.
A joint patrol officer, PC Emmanuel Samson, attached to MOPOL 12 in Minna, was attacked during the chaos.
In the ensuing violence, the assailants reportedly set a Hilux patrol vehicle belonging to the security team on fire. PC Emmanuel Samson was severely beaten during the attack and later died from his injuries.
A security source, quoted in the wireless message, said:
“The team was on lawful duty when the suspects mobilised and launched a violent attack after their illegal products were seized.”
