7 Illegal Miners Arrested For Digging Gold In Niger Residential Areas

Seven suspects have been arrested for allegedly mining gold within Minna, the Niger State capital.

LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that they were arrested at an illegal mining site behind Bilkebab, around the Shango area, in Minna.

Officials of the Ministry of Mineral Resources led by the commissioner, Mohammed Qasim Danjuma, coordinated the security operations. The suspects were handed over to the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC for further investigation and necessary action.

Confirming the arrest, the commissioner expressed concern about illegal miners encroaching on settlements near the state capital.

He expressed concern and disappointment that illegal mining activities were being carried out within residential areas, describing the development as dangerous to both human lives and the environment.

Danjuma stated that the enforcement formed part of the New Niger Agenda of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, aimed at sanitising the mining sector and eradicating illegal mining across the state.

The commissioner warned that anyone found engaging in illegal mining activities at the site or any other unauthorised location would face the full wrath of the law.

Danhuma said the state government remained committed to transforming the mining sector, boosting internally generated revenue, and protecting the State’s natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

He further noted that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens by preventing activities that endanger lives and property.