Seven suspected illegal miners in Minna crackdown in Niger
Seven Arrested in Niger State Illegal Mining Crackdown
MINNA, Niger State — Seven individuals suspected of illegal mining were arrested Tuesday evening during an operation led by Mohammed Qasim Danjuma, the state’s Commissioner for Mineral Resources. The enforcement action took place around 6:30 p.m. in the Bilkebeb Shango area of Minna, targeting unauthorized mining activities within a residential neighborhood.
During the raid, authorities confiscated nine motorcycles allegedly used in the illegal operations. The suspects and the seized motorcycles were subsequently handed over to the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation.
Accompanied by the Ministry’s Director of Administration, AGM Zuma, and NSCDC officials, Danjuma cited the illegal activities as a significant threat to public safety and the environment. He emphasized that the operation aligns with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s New Niger Agenda, which aims to regulate and sanitize the mining sector while curbing illegal mining across the state.
Danjuma warned that individuals found engaging in illegal mining would face legal consequences and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and natural resources. He also noted that boosting internally generated revenue through a regulated mining sector remains a priority.
“The Ministry will continue to monitor and enforce operations across mining communities as part of efforts to restore order and promote responsible mining practices in the state,” added Danjuma.
