The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger State Command has issued a directive requiring senior officers to pay for the production of the new State Commandant's official portrait. The directive, dated September 22, 2026, was issued by the NSCDC Niger State Command's Public Relations Unit and has sparked controversy among personnel. The new State Commandant, Abdulhamid Salisu Kabara, has directed that his official portrait be displayed at the offices of senior officers across the command.
According to the directive, personnel have two options for the portrait: a framed portrait costing ₦22,000 or a portrait sticker without a frame, costing ₦12,000. Payments are to be made into a private account bearing the name Abubakar Mohammed Rabiu Muti, with account number 806946**. Personnel are also required to include their names or offices on their payment receipts and forward proof of payment to a specified telephone number for proper documentation and confirmation.
The directive has been met with criticism from sources within the NSCDC, who question the timing of the directive given the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the command's custody. The incident has generated public concern and demands for accountability, with questions raised about the conditions under which the suspected miners were detained. One source described the directive as insensitive, alleging that personnel are being subjected to additional financial demands while the command deals with the fallout from the incident.
The Niger State Command has defended the directive, stating that the portrait is being produced to ensure "due respect and recognition" for the leadership of the command and to promote uniformity across its formations. According to the Command, the directive is in line with established practice and aims to promote proper official representation across all formations.
However, sources within the NSCDC have expressed concerns about the financial burden on personnel, who are already dealing with the aftermath of the miners' deaths. The incident has led to the suspension of the previous Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and the deployment of Kabara to take over the command. The Corps has not publicly disclosed the outcome of any investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths beyond the disciplinary actions already reported.
The directive covers several levels of the Niger State Command, including departments, units, area commands, and divisions. Sources have told SaharaReporters that the directive was circulated across various formations in Niger State despite the ongoing controversy. They have also questioned why personnel are being asked to personally fund the production of an official portrait at a time when the command is dealing with the fallout from the deaths.
The development has triggered further questions among officers within the command about the financial demands being placed on them. It is not clear whether the payment requirement has been formally approved by the NSCDC headquarters or is part of any officially sanctioned nationwide policy. The incident has highlighted the challenges facing the NSCDC in balancing its operational needs with the welfare of its personnel.
Key points
- The NSCDC Niger State Command has directed senior officers to pay for the new commandant's portrait amid scrutiny over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.
- The directive has sparked controversy among personnel, who question the timing and financial burden of the requirement.
- The incident has highlighted the challenges facing the NSCDC in balancing its operational needs with the welfare of its personnel.
