Seven suspected illegal miners targeted in Niger crackdown

Seven individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining were taken into custody in Minna, Niger State, as part of a crackdown led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mohammed Qasim Danjuma.

The operation, which began at about 6:30 p.m. behind the Bilkebeb Shango area of Minna, focused on illegal mining activities that were reportedly occurring within a residential community on Tuesday evening.

During the raid, nine motorcycles believed to have been used for the illicit mining operations were seized.

The suspects and the confiscated motorcycles were subsequently handed over to the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and appropriate action.

Commissioner Danjuma, accompanied by the Ministry’s Director of Administration, AGM Zuma, and NSCDC officials, including the Operational Commander, described the illegal mining in the residential area as a serious threat to both human safety and the environment.

He said the operation is part of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s New Niger Agenda, which aims to cleanse the mining sector, curb illegal mining, and strengthen regulatory oversight across the state.

He warned that anyone found to be involved in illegal mining would face the full force of the law, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting lives, safeguarding natural resources, and increasing internally generated revenue through a properly regulated mining sector.

The commissioner added, “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.”