The Niger State Government has condemned a deadly attack at the Zuzungi Kataeregi mining site in Katcha Local Government Area, ordering the temporary closure of the site.

In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mineral Resources, Comrade Idris A. Legbo, the government described the incident as criminal and unacceptable, noting that it resulted in the death of a security officer and the destruction of a joint patrol vehicle.
Legbo said the violent act amounted to a direct assault on lawful mining operations and constituted authority.

According to the statement, preliminary reports from credible sources indicated that the crisis stemmed from ongoing tensions between illegal mineral dealers and security personnel at the site.
The ministry stressed that the Zuzungi Kataeregi mining site is a duly licensed and legally recognised operation with all statutory approvals intact.

It explained that the conflict erupted when security agents intercepted mining materials in the possession of illegal dealers.
These operators, the ministry said, had persistently infiltrated the site, purchasing mineral products directly from artisanal miners, thereby denying the licensed mining company its rightful benefits and reselling the products to unregistered entities.

During efforts to curb the illegal activities, a confrontation ensued, leading to the killing of a security officer and the burning of an official patrol vehicle.
The ministry expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the slain officer.

It reiterated the government’s zero tolerance for illegal mining, mineral theft, and the activities of unauthorised dealers, assuring the public that it is working closely with security agencies to identify and bring all those responsible for the violence to justice.
The ministry also called on artisanal miners and other stakeholders to remain calm and cooperate fully with regulatory authorities, stressing that all mining activities must strictly comply with established laws and licensing requirements to promote peace, safety, and sustainable mineral development in the state.

Meanwhile, the ministry has directed the temporary closure of the Zuzungi Kataeregi mining site for two weeks to allow for thorough sanitisation of operations and restoration of order.
“The ministry remains resolute in its commitment to sanitising the mining sector, protecting legitimate operators, and preventing the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents,” the statement added.