NSCDC Niger Command orders officers to pay N12,000–N22,000 for Commandant’s portrait amid miners’ deaths scandal

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger State Command has directed senior officers to personally fund the production of a portrait for its newly deployed Commandant, Abdulhamid Salisu Kabara, despite the recent deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in its custody, according to Sahara Reporters.

The directive, dated September 22 and issued by the Command’s Public Relations Unit, instructs Heads of Departments, Unit Commanders, Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to pay between ₦12,000 and ₦22,000 for framed or sticker versions of the portrait, with proceeds sent to a private account.

Sources described the timing as insensitive, noting the command is still facing scrutiny over the miners’ deaths, which led to Kabara’s predecessor’s suspension and over 20 arrests.