Army GOC Pays Condolence Visit to Bago Over Death of 37 Miners

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, has paid a condolence visit to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, over the death of 37 artisanal miners in the state.

Maj. Gen. Wase, on behalf of the 1 Division and the Nigerian Army, sympathised with Governor Bago and the people of Niger State over the unfortunate incident, expressing the hope that such a tragedy would not occur again.

The GOC also informed the governor that all Nigerian Army formations in Niger State would, from September 30, come under the newly created 9 Division.

He said the development followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the reorganisation of the Nigerian Army, which increased the number of Army divisions from eight to 12.

Maj. Gen. Wase appreciated Governor Bago for the support extended to the 1 Division and the Nigerian Army, assuring him that the Army would continue to collaborate with the state government.

Responding, Governor Bago thanked the GOC for the condolence visit and expressed appreciation for his empathy over the incident.

The governor said the visit would encourage the state government to intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the miners.

Bago also thanked President Tinubu for approving the creation of additional divisions in the Nigerian Army, saying the development would strengthen security operations in the country.

The governor commended Maj. Gen. Wase, saying that Niger State had witnessed significant progress in security under his leadership.

He also praised officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the state for their efforts in combating insecurity and protecting communities across Niger State.

Bago assured the GOC that the Niger State Government would continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Army in addressing security challenges and achieving greater success.

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State
September 28, 2026