Niger: Police Officer Killed, NSCDC Vehicle Burned in Clash with Suspected Illegal Miners

A police officer was allegedly killed and a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) patrol vehicle set ablaze following a violent confrontation with suspected illegal miners in Zunzungi, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The attack has raised concerns over growing security risks in mining communities across the state.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m., when a joint team of NSCDC personnel and Police Mobile Force (PMF) officers encountered a group of miners engaged in unauthorized extraction of minerals, including monazite, locally referred to as “zeiko.” The security team reportedly seized mined minerals, prompting the miners to launch an aggressive attack.

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During the clash, PC Emmanuel Samson, a police officer attached to MOPOL 12, Police Mobile Force Minna, was allegedly beaten to death by the assailants. The attackers also burned a Hilux patrol vehicle used by the NSCDC and police team and reportedly stole the officer’s rifle, escalating the violence.

Following the attack, security operatives intensified patrols in the area to apprehend suspects and restore order. Residents of Zunzungi and surrounding communities were advised to remain indoors while investigations and recovery operations continue.

This incident highlights persistent security challenges linked to illegal mining activities in Niger State. Analysts say that clashes between miners and law enforcement personnel have become increasingly frequent in recent years, often resulting from disputes over unregulated mining operations and attempts to protect licensed mining sites.

Authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing arrests or follow-up actions, but both the Niger State Police Command and the NSCDC are expected to launch thorough investigations into the deadly confrontation.

Niger: Police Officer Killed, NSCDC Vehicle Burned in Clash with Suspected Illegal Miners

Malami’s EFCC Trials Face Procedural Delay as Judge Steps Aside

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from presiding over two high-profile EFCC cases involving former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN). The judge cited personal reasons and the interest of justice for his recusal, a procedural development that comes as the court was set to hear both a civil asset forfeiture suit and a 16-count money laundering charge against Malami and his family.

The cases were reassigned to Justice Egwuatu by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court after previously being handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who sat as a vacation judge during the festive period. The recusal follows the civil suit seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami, including residential estates, hotels, school buildings, and commercial properties spread across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Kebbi states.

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Malami, his wife, and son are facing charges of money laundering involving approximately ₦8.7 billion, for which they were granted bail of ₦500 million each with two sureties by Justice Nwite. The bail conditions require submission of travel documents and ownership of landed property in Abuja, specifically in Asokoro, Maitama, and Gwarinpa.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Egwuatu formally informed the court of his inability to continue hearing the matters, emphasizing that his withdrawal ensures fairness and integrity in the judicial process. The case files have been returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to a new judge.

The EFCC civil forfeiture case was initially filed to recover assets suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity, while the criminal charges relate to allegations of financial misconduct during Malami’s tenure as AGF. Legal analysts say that the reassignment, while routine, could lead to temporary delays in hearings, but it will not affect the substance or merits of the cases.

Justice Egwuatu’s withdrawal highlights the sensitive nature of high-profile cases involving public office holders and underscores the Federal High Court’s commitment to maintaining judicial impartiality. Neither the EFCC nor Malami has issued immediate comments regarding the recusal, but proceedings are expected to resume once a new judge is appointed.

Malami’s EFCC Trials Face Procedural Delay as Judge Steps Aside

NUFBTE Workers Occupy NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban

Members of the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) on Thursday staged a protest at the NAFDAC office in Isolo, Lagos, demanding the reversal of the agency’s ban on sachet and PET-bottled alcoholic beverages. The union claims the ban contradicts a directive reportedly issued by the Federal Government, and they want production lines that were sealed to be immediately reopened.

The protesters, including manufacturers, distributors, and industry workers, argued that the enforcement of the ban threatens jobs, livelihoods, and the operations of small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on sachet alcohol sales. During the demonstration, union members handed a petition to NAFDAC officials, urging dialogue and a more balanced approach that safeguards both public health and the food and beverage sector.

NUFBTE cited alleged instructions from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser, claiming that NAFDAC should suspend enforcement. The union said continued closure of production lines and restriction of alcohol sales would lead to economic hardship and widespread job losses.

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However, NAFDAC rejected the claims, with Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye stating that no federal directive has instructed the agency to halt the ban. In a statement, the regulator described circulating reports as “false” and “misleading,” emphasizing that its actions are within statutory authority and in line with official government policies.

“NAFDAC has not received any formal directive to suspend its regulatory or enforcement activities concerning sachet alcohol,” the statement read. The agency reiterated its commitment to public health protection, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety, warning the public and industry stakeholders to rely on verified information from official channels.

The ban, implemented earlier this month, targets alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers smaller than 200ml, a measure aimed at reducing unregulated alcohol consumption and protecting vulnerable groups. While the policy has faced backlash from workers and businesses, NAFDAC maintains that it is necessary for national health and safety.

The protest underscores the tension between regulatory enforcement and economic concerns, as workers continue to call for inclusive policymaking and engagement with industry stakeholders to mitigate the impact on jobs and local businesses.

NUFBTE Workers Occupy NAFDAC Lagos Office Over Sachet Alcohol Ban