33 Illegal Miners Arrested in Niger During Raid on Mining Site
Authorities in Niger State have apprehended 33 suspected illegal miners during a raid at a mining site in Gbakuchi-Kontongba, Paikoro Local Government Area. The operation was carried out by the State Ministry of Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the Niger State Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Forest Hunters Association.
The raid, led by Alhaji Yunusa Nahauni, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, resulted in the seizure of mining tools, including a water pumping machine. The crackdown is part of the government’s broader efforts to curb illegal mining activities across the state.
Addressing the media after the operation, Nahauni urged community members to report unauthorized mining and criticized local leaders for failing to expose the illegal activities sooner. He also raised concerns about miners found sleeping during odd hours, suggesting possible nighttime illegal operations.
Reaffirming the state government’s zero-tolerance stance, Nahauni referenced Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s directive suspending all illegal mining due to security risks.
“We are committed to sanitizing the mining sector and will continue to crack down on those using mining as a cover for unlawful activities,” he stated.
He assured that the suspects would be prosecuted within 24 hours and emphasized that surveillance of illegal mining sites would be intensified.
Nahauni further highlighted concerns about undocumented foreign miners operating in Niger State, calling on the Nigeria Immigration Service to investigate and enhance border security measures.
He commended Alhaji Garba Sabo Yahaya, the Commissioner of Mineral Resources, and ministry staff for their commitment to enforcing mining regulations.
A local source, speaking anonymously, revealed that the illegal mining site had been in operation for over a decade, with miners allegedly working on land legally owned by another company without authorization.
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