Niger Government Closes Illegal Mining Sites to Ease Tensions with Local Communities

The Niger State Government has stepped up its campaign against illegal mining, shutting down six unauthorized mineral processing sites during a two‑day enforcement and peace‑building operation in the Mariga and Kontagora local government areas.

The operation was led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Hon. Muhammad Qasim Danjuma (Danrimin Agaie), and carried out in partnership with officials from the Mining Marshals Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The delegation also included the Federal Head of Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant Onoja, the North Central Zonal Head of Mining Marshals, Jibrin Muhammad, and other security personnel responsible for safeguarding the nation’s mineral resources.

Officials said the six processing sites were operating outside the approved regulatory framework and were immediately shut down as part of an effort to clean up the mining sector, curb illegal activity, and increase government revenue from mineral resources.

In addition to enforcement, the delegation launched a peace initiative in Wamba Ward of Mariga Local Government Area, where it held consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders about growing concerns linked to mining activities.

The meeting, hosted by the District Head of Wamba, Alhaji Isah Ya’u, focused on addressing security challenges, communal disputes and misunderstandings affecting the Wamba, Mangoro, Igwama and Kasuwan Garba communities.

During the engagement, Danjuma reiterated the commitment of Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s administration to tackling insecurity, protecting lives and property, and promoting responsible mining practices across the state.

He stressed that sustainable development in mining communities can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, security and compliance with mining regulations.

Community leaders welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and commending the government’s decision to engage directly with affected communities while taking firm action against illegal operators.

The stakeholders also pledged support for government efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence, responsible resource extraction and sustainable socio‑economic development in mining areas.