Seven suspected illegal miners were arrested in Minna, Niger State, during a coordinated enforcement operation led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mohammed Qasim Danjuma, on Tuesday evening. The crackdown, which took place around 6:30 p.m. behind the Bilkebeb Shango area, targeted illegal mining activities being carried out within a residential community. Nine motorcycles allegedly used to support the illicit operations were also seized during the raid. The suspects and the confiscated vehicles were handed over to the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and legal action.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry’s Director of Administration, AGM Zuma, and NSCDC officials, including the Operational Commander. Commissioner Danjuma described the illegal mining activities within a residential zone as a grave danger to public safety and the environment. He emphasized that such operations not only threaten lives but also undermine the state’s efforts to regulate the mining sector responsibly.
The crackdown is part of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s New Niger Agenda, a broader initiative aimed at sanitizing the mining sector, curbing illegal activities, and strengthening regulatory oversight across the state. The commissioner reiterated the government’s firm stance against illegal mining, warning that violators would face the full force of the law. He stressed that protecting lives, preserving natural resources, and increasing internally generated revenue through legal and regulated mining are top priorities.
Danjuma also stated that the Ministry will maintain a vigilant presence in mining communities to ensure compliance with regulations. He said ongoing monitoring and enforcement operations are essential to restoring order and promoting responsible mining practices. The operation reflects a growing commitment by state authorities to enforce mining laws and prevent environmental degradation caused by unregulated activities.
Residents in the Bilkebeb Shango area have expressed relief over the intervention, noting that illegal mining had previously caused noise, pollution, and safety concerns. The seizure of motorcycles used in the operations highlights the logistical support networks often involved in such illicit activities. Authorities are now working to trace the ownership of the seized vehicles and determine the extent of the operation.
As Niger State continues to strengthen its mining governance, this operation serves as a clear signal that illegal mining will not be tolerated. The government’s sustained efforts are expected to improve safety, protect communities, and ensure that mineral resources are harnessed for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Leave a Comment