The residents of the Western Bypass area near El-Amin University in Minna, Niger State, were thrown into panic in the early hours of Thursday, July 10, 2025, following a violent clash between suspected groups of illegal miners operating behind the PDP Secretariat, Minna.
A statement released to newsmen in Minna by the Ministry of Mineral Resources’ Information Officer, Mrs. Dibie Maureen, reported that chaos broke out around dawn. The ministry responded quickly, and upon arrival, security forces found that the suspected hoodlums had already fled.
The statement explained that several illegal miners were apprehended during the operation and will be charged in court following due legal process.
It stressed that the enforcement operation was led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Alhaji Garba Yahaya, accompanied by senior directors from the ministry and a joint security task force comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Speaking shortly after the operation, Commissioner Yahaya condemned the illegal activities and reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance against illegal mining.
Yahaya described the escalating incidents as a serious threat to public peace, environmental sustainability, and lawful economic development in the state.
The commissioner had reiterated the directive of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, which mandates all illegal miners to vacate the state with immediate effect.
He, however, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police, the NSCDC State Commandant, the Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, and other security stakeholders for their swift and coordinated response.
Yahaya re-emphasised that the ministry will continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure the protection of lives, property, and mineral resources in the state.
The commissioner highlighted growing concerns over environmental damage caused by unregulated mining, including the destruction of drainage channels, encroachment on burial grounds behind the M.I. Wushishi Estate, collapse of residents’ perimeter fences, and the blocking of culverts connecting communities, which creates risks of flooding.
He assured that the ministry, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, reaffirmed its commitment to restoring order and safeguarding communities across Niger State from the destructive effects of illegal mining.
