Following an upsurge in illegal mining activities, 33 suspected illegal miners were apprehended at Paikoro local government area of Niger State.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the suspects were arrested using water pumps and other machines used for gold mining.
It was learnt that they were arrested in Gbokuchi-Kotongba, Paikoro local government area, where they made makeshift homes at a mining site belonging to a private company without permission and did not mind the environmental hazard.
A source hinted that the illegal mining camp had been in operation for over ten years, but all attempts to dislodge the camp failed until the task force set up by the state Ministry of Solid Mineral swung into action.
The permanent secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Yunusa Nahauni, confirmed the raid.
He said the ministry conducted an operation at the illegal mining site, and 33 suspected illegal miners were apprehended, disclosing that the miners were unlawfully working on a mining title belonging to another company without the rightful owner’s knowledge.
Nahauni emphasised the critical role of community members in reporting illegal activities, saying that the true nature of the suspects’ activities can be questioned, as many were found asleep at odd hours.
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