Security operatives arrest 33 illegal miners in Niger
No fewer than 33 suspected illegal miners have been arrested by the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the Niger State Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Forest Hunters Association, at a mining site in Gbakuchi-Kontongba, Paikoro Local Government Area.
It was gathered that working tools—including a water pumping machine—were seized during the operation, led by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Yunusa Nahauni, which was part of an ongoing campaign to combat illegal mining across the state.
After the operation, Nahauni emphasised the need for community members to report illicit activities and criticised the local village head and elders for not exposing the illegal operations earlier.
Nahauni also expressed concern over miners found sleeping during unusual hours, raising suspicions about potential nighttime illegal activities while reiterating the state government’s zero-tolerance policy toward unauthorised mining, citing Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s directive suspending all illegal mining due to security threats.
“We are determined to sanitise the mining sector and will continue to expose those using mining as a front for illegal activities,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary assured the public that the suspects would be charged in court within 24 hours and that continued surveillance of illegal mining sites would be conducted to ensure compliance with regulations.
Source: DAILY POST
