The Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources, in collaboration with personnel from the Niger State Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Forest Hunters Association, has apprehended 33 suspected illegal miners at an illegal mining site in Gbakuchi-Kontongba, Paikoro Local Council.

Working tools, including a water pumping machine, were also confiscated during the operation. The operation, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Yunusa Nahauni, was part of efforts to curb the menace of illegal mining across the state.

Addressing journalists after the raid, Nahauni stressed the importance of community members reporting illegal activities and criticised the village head and elders for failing to expose the illegal mining in their area.

He expressed concerns about the miners’ activities, noting that many were found asleep at odd hours, which raised suspicions about other illicit operations potentially occurring at night.

Nahauni reiterated the state government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining, citing Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s directive suspending all unauthorised mining operations due to security concerns.

We cannot afford to be complacent. The state government has a clear vision to sanitise the mining sector, and we will continue to expose those hiding under the guise of mining while engaging in illegal activities,” he stated.

The Permanent Secretary assured that the arrested suspects would be charged to court within 24 hours and disclosed that continuous surveillance of illegal mining sites would be enforced to ensure compliance.

He also raised concerns about undocumented foreign miners, questioning how they entered the state undetected and urging the Nigeria Immigration Service to investigate and strengthen border security.

Commending the Commissioner of the Ministry, Alhaji Garba Sabo Yahaya, and other management staff for their dedication to enforcing mining regulations, Nahauni reaffirmed the government’s resolve to protect state resources and enforce compliance with legal standards.

A community source, who requested anonymity, revealed that the illegal mining site had been operational for over ten years. The miners were allegedly working on a mining title belonging to another company without the owner’s consent.