NSCDC arrests seven suspected illegal miners in Minna raid

Seven suspected illegal miners have been arrested in Minna, Niger State, during a joint enforcement operation led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mohammed Qasim Danjuma.

The raid, carried out around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday behind the Bilkebeb Shango area of Minna, targeted illegal mining activities allegedly taking place within a residential community.

Authorities also confiscated nine motorcycles reportedly used for the illegal operations.

The suspects and recovered motorcycles were subsequently handed over to the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Speaking during the operation, Danjuma described illegal mining within residential areas as a major threat to human lives and the environment.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by the ministry’s Director of Administration, AGM Zuma, as well as NSCDC officials including the Operational Commander, said the exercise aligns with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s “New Niger Agenda” aimed at sanitising the mining sector.

According to him, the state government is determined to curb illegal mining activities, strengthen regulation, and improve internally generated revenue through responsible mining practices.

He warned that individuals involved in illegal mining would face strict legal consequences.

“The Ministry will continue to monitor and enforce operations across mining communities as part of efforts to restore order and promote responsible mining practices in the state,” he said.