Authorities in Niger State have arrested 33 people accused of illegal mining, which authorities say poses significant environmental and security threats.
The arrests were made in Gbokuchi-Kotongba area of Paikoro Local Government during an enforcement operation conducted by the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Forest Hunters Association.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Yunusa Nahauni, who led the raid, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to curbing illegal mining. He criticised local leaders, including village elders, for failing to address the issue despite it being a long-standing one. Reports indicate that the suspects have been illegally extracting minerals from land belonging to another company for over a decade.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago had previously ordered a crackdown on illegal mining over security concerns. Nahauni warned that violators would face legal consequences and urged residents to report suspicious activities.
He also expressed concern over the presence of undocumented foreign miners in the area, calling on the Nigerian Immigration Service to investigate entry points and tighten border security.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Nahauni stressed that efforts to regulate the mining sector would continue and called on communities to support the fight against illegal activities.