Esther Salifu
The Niger State government has vowed to sustain its crackdown on illegal mining operations after a violent clash among miners near the M.I. Wushishi Estate in Minna led to multiple injuries. Police arrested 22 suspects following the incident.
The Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Garba Yahaya, condemned the illegal activities and reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance against illegal mining. “Several illegal miners were apprehended during the operation and will be charged to court following due legal process,” Yahaya said.
According to Police Public Relations Officer Wasiu Abiodun, the Maitumbi Divisional Police Officer mobilized officers to the scene upon receiving reports of the disturbance.
“While some of the miscreants fled, about 22 persons were arrested, including some women, and they were taken to the SCID in Minna,” Abiodun stated.
He added that monitoring of the area is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
Residents of M.I. Wushishi Estate have previously reported threats and attacks by illegal miners operating in the area. The estate, located in a region rich in solid mineral deposits, has become a hotspot for illegal mining activities, leading to security concerns among inhabitants.
