- The operation was conducted with support from the Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the state’s Forest Hunters
The Niger State government has conducted raids on various illegal mining sites across the state, resulting in the arrest of numerous miners.
Among those arrested were elderly women, nursing mothers with their children, and school-age children.
On Wednesday, the state Ministry of Mineral Resources initiated raids on several mining sites and other suspected locations, particularly in Minna, the state capital.
Vanguard reported that the operation was led by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Yunusa Nahauni, accompanied by other top officials, with support from the Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the state’s Forest Hunters.
The raid extended to the premises of El-Amin University, Brighter Schools Road, T-Mama area on Mandela Road, Chanchaga Bridge, and the Federal Government College Staff School, where illegal mining activities were reportedly taking place.
Dibie Maureen, the ministry’s Information Officer, confirmed the raid, expressing concern that despite awareness campaigns about the dangers of illegal mining, many people continue the activity unabated.
“The areas raided were suspected of engaging in unauthorised mining activities by some suspected artisanal miners and as a result, a significant number of women, men, and even children were taken into custody.
“However, because of the vulnerability of the women, especially those who are nursing mothers and the elderly among them, a compassionate decision was made to promptly release them.
“On the other hand, seven men who were apprehended with them have been handed over to the police for further investigation and legal action.
“During the crackdown, mining equipment and tools were confiscated while some items were also recovered from them.
“Items recovered from them include 25 shovels, one hoe, 14 short diggers, 55 large rubber bowls, 34 head pans, and one pumping machine as they will be used as exhibits against them at the court.
“Investigations revealed that the majority of these miners hailed from Sokoto and other states, while only a few were discovered to be indigenes of Niger State.”
The Ministry assured that with the support of the state government, it would continue its crackdown on all suspected illegal mining sites in order to protect both the natural resources and the communities that are resident within the communities.
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