By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The tragic custodial deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State remain one of the most painful incidents in the recent history of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The development sparked widespread public concern, generated intense scrutiny of the Corps’ operations and created a trust deficit between the command and many residents of the state. For families of the deceased, community leaders and other stakeholders, the demand for justice, transparency and accountability became paramount.

When Commandant Abdulhamid Salisu Kabara assumed leadership of the NSCDC in Niger State, he inherited not only a security responsibility but also the difficult task of rebuilding public confidence in an institution facing one of its most serious credibility challenges.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, the new Commandant moved swiftly to initiate measures aimed at restoring trust and reassuring citizens that the Corps remained committed to lawful and professional conduct. One of the most significant steps taken by Kabara has been his continuous engagement with the bereaved families of the deceased miners. Rather than distancing the command from the tragedy, he has maintained open channels of communication with family members and community representatives, seeking to address their concerns and demonstrate empathy during a period of immense grief.

These consultations have become a critical component of efforts to heal wounds and reduce tensions arising from the incident.Sources close to the reconciliation process disclosed that the Commandant has been holding a series of conversations and consultations with the bereaved families with a view to achieving an amicable resolution of issues arising from the tragedy. Central to these discussions is the assurance that the NSCDC will remain transparent in its handling of the matter and fully supportive of all accountability measures designed to establish the facts surrounding the unfortunate deaths.

The Commandant’s approach has been widely viewed as a departure from the traditional tendency of security institutions to remain silent during periods of public controversy. By engaging directly with affected families and community stakeholders, Kabara has projected an image of leadership that values dialogue, openness and responsibility. This has helped to gradually ease public apprehension and create an atmosphere conducive to constructive engagement.

Beyond consultations with the victims’ families, the command has intensified its interaction with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, market associations and civil society organisations. These engagements have provided opportunities for residents to openly discuss their concerns while receiving assurances that reforms are being implemented to strengthen professionalism within the Corps.Kabara has also reinforced internal disciplinary measures and professional standards among officers and men of the command. Personnel have been repeatedly reminded of the importance of respecting human rights, adhering to operational procedures and maintaining the highest standards of conduct in all engagements with members of the public.

The message from the leadership has been clear: professionalism and accountability must remain the foundation of every NSCDC operation. At the operational level, the command has continued to demonstrate commitment to its core mandate through enhanced protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, improved surveillance operations and intensified efforts against illegal economic activities. These initiatives have helped redirect public attention towards the positive security contributions of the Corps while reinforcing its relevance in maintaining public safety across the state.

The renewed collaboration between the NSCDC and other security agencies has also strengthened confidence in the state’s security architecture. Through intelligence sharing and coordinated operations, the command has continued to play an active role in addressing emerging security threats while promoting inter-agency cooperation in the overall interest of public security.Although the pain of the custodial deaths remains fresh in the minds of many residents, there are growing indications that public confidence is gradually returning. Much of this progress can be attributed to Commandant Abdulhamid Salisu Kabara’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, community engagement and direct consultation with affected families.

While the journey towards complete restoration of trust is still ongoing, his efforts have laid a solid foundation for reconciliation and institutional renewal, offering hope that the NSCDC in Niger State can emerge from the tragedy stronger, more accountable and more responsive to the people it serves.