Seven suspected illegal miners were arrested in Minna, Niger State, during a crackdown led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mohammed Qasim Danjuma.
The enforcement operation, carried out around 6:30 p.m. behind the Bilkebeb Shango area of Minna, targeted illegal mining activities reportedly taking place within a residential community on Tuesday evening.
Nine motorcycles allegedly used for the illegal operations were also confiscated during the raid.
The suspects and the seized motorcycles were later handed over to the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for further investigation and necessary action.
The commissioner, accompanied by the Ministry’s Director of Administration, AGM Zuma, alongside NSCDC officials, including the Operational Commander, described the illegal mining activities within a residential area as a serious threat to lives and the environment.
According to him, the operation forms part of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s New Niger Agenda aimed at sanitising the mining sector, curbing illegal mining, and strengthening regulation across the state.
He warned that anyone found engaging in illegal mining activities would face the full weight of the law, stressing that the government remains committed to protecting lives, safeguarding natural resources, and boosting 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.
