Communities endangered as insecurity, illegal mining threaten Niger’s solid mineral sector
Insecurity Hinders Solid Minerals Development in Niger State
Niger State’s efforts to enhance its solid minerals sector are facing significant challenges due to rising insecurity. Legitimate miners are deterred from accessing mineral-rich areas, while illegal mining activities increasingly encroach upon residential regions in search of gold.
Local miners report that incidents of kidnapping in mining zones have compelled companies to halt exploration and allocate substantial funds in ransom payments to secure their workers’ release. Meanwhile, residents in parts of Minna are coping with the adverse effects of illegal excavations, which they claim damage homes, places of worship, and the environment.
The situation has raised concerns regarding the state’s capacity to boost revenue from mining, enforce regulations, and safeguard communities affected by mineral exploitation.
Miners Pay for Licenses but Face Operational Restrictions
Abdulrazak Yusuf Mohammed, chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Niger State chapter, conveyed to DAILY POST that insecurity significantly impacts mining operations across approximately 17 of the state’s 25 local government areas.
“Most of our operations, from exploration to other activities, occur in forested areas, which have become unsafe due to banditry and kidnapping,” Mohammed stated. He highlighted that over 20 individuals affiliated with mining in Borgu have been kidnapped, forcing miners to raise large sums for their release. The ongoing insecurity has left several mining companies paying for licenses and royalties without being able to work their concessions.
“Some licenses may expire without any exploration, leading to continued obligations without operations,” he added, estimating losses in the billions of naira.
While areas like Suleja, Munya, Shiroro, and Rafi maintain functional mining activities, Borgu’s sections, including Kaade, Babanna, Konkoso, and Pisa, are severely affected by insecurity.
Illegal Mining Encroaches on Residential Areas
As legitimate miners face obstacles in accessing their concessions, illegal mining operations have shifted closer to residential neighborhoods in Minna.
Residents in Tunga report that illegal miners are excavating sand from areas in front of their homes and gutters in pursuit of gold. Complaints also emerged from the M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate, where residents like Mrs. Teni Musa indicated that illegal mining continues despite numerous raids. In one instance, a resident recounted an illegal operation that resulted in part of a home collapsing.
Pastor Peter Luka added that illegal excavation is encroaching on his church’s property, raising concerns for nearby structures. Local residents expressed apprehension about speaking out due to fears of repercussions from mining criminals.
Police and Security Forces Ramp Up Enforcement
The Niger State Police Command is actively collaborating with the Ministry of Mineral Resources and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to dismantle illegal mining operations and conduct raids. According to Police Public Relations Officer Wasiu Abiodun, enforcement activities have targeted areas such as M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate and Chanchaga, resulting in over 100 arrests this year.
Abiodun noted that some individuals are fined in court and return to illegal mining shortly afterward. The police are also partnering with the NSCDC and local vigilante groups to provide security for licensed miners, particularly in regions affected by banditry.
NSCDC Charges Suspects in Illegal Mining Operations
The NSCDC has also apprehended over 100 suspected illegal miners in recent months and has charged roughly 29 individuals in court. According to spokesperson DSC Abubakar M.R. Muti, additional measures are being implemented, including intelligence gathering and surveillance of cleared mining locations.
Fatal Incident Highlights Risks for Security Personnel
The dangers facing security personnel enforcing mining regulations were tragically underscored on July 22, when Assistant Superintendent of Corps II Aminu Eshin of the NSCDC was fatally shot while patrolling an illegal mining site in Korokpa village, Paikoro Local Government Area. The incident prompted condemnation from Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who called for heightened security measures.
Government Seeks Enhanced Regulation
In response to ongoing challenges, the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources is pursuing stronger regulations and closer cooperation with traditional institutions and security agencies. Commissioner Hon. Muhammed Qasim Danjuma reported that the state generated over N75 million from solid minerals between January and June 2026.
Danjuma recognized the setbacks posed by illegal mining but emphasized the government’s aim to attract legitimate investors while imposing strict reclamation policies for mining operations to mitigate environmental hazards.
Broader Context of Illegal Mining in Nigeria
Niger’s challenges are emblematic of a national issue as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil and leverage its solid minerals. The Nigeria Geological Survey Agency is conducting mineral exploration across various states, including Niger, Nasarawa, and Zamfara, indicating widespread mineral deposits.
However, unrest has previously disrupted mining in locations like Zamfara, where activities were suspended in 2019 due to security concerns, before being reinstated in late 2024.
Ongoing Revenue Concerns
While the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative reported total revenue from the solid minerals sector of N401.86 billion in 2023, this figure does not account for the total value of mineral deposits. For Niger State, the reported revenue of N75 million reflects only what has been generated and not the overall mineral extraction value.
The stark gap between Nigeria’s mineral potential and actual revenue underscores the ongoing challenges related to illegal mining and enforcement.
Conclusion
The persistence of illegal mining and the return of offenders following enforcement actions continue to complicate regulatory efforts. Residents seek immediate solutions to the encroaching threats to their homes, while licensed miners strive for security to access their legally acquired concessions.
As the government aims for increased revenue and investment in the sector, it must navigate the intricate challenges of ensuring safety for communities while facilitating legitimate mining operations, striving for an effective resolution to enhance economic growth in Niger State.
