From Bala Yahaya, Minna
Two suspected illegal miners have died following a landslide at a mining site in Farin-Doki community, Shiroro Local Council of Niger State. The deceased, identified as Buhari Kano and Mallam Tasiu, both from Kano State, were reportedly trapped under debris after the site caved in during a late-night operation.

Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident in a statement, disclosing that the Erena Police Division received a distress call at about 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

According to him, police officers and community members immediately mobilised to the scene for a rescue effort, which led to the recovery of the two lifeless bodies. The victims were later taken to a hospital in Zumba.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the victims had gone to the site at night to engage in illegal mining when the landslide occurred. Abiodun added that further investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Niger State government has said that the ban on illegal mining across the state is still in force, warning that anyone caught violating it will face sanctions.

The Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources, Alhaji Yunusa Nahauni, who re-emphasised the government’s position in a telephone interview with The Guardian, noted that a task force to eradicate the menace of illegal mining has been put in place by the government.

He assured that the ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, is doing everything possible to eliminate illegal miners across the state.

Reacting to the death of the two suspected illegal miners, the Permanent Secretary said the ministry was yet to receive any official report on the incident.
He advised community leaders to assist the government with useful information that could lead to a crackdown on illegal miners.