A total of 33 suspects have been arrested in Niger State for allegedly violating the state government’s order on suspension of mining in the state in view of the security challenges in the country.
Their arrests were made during surprise visits to various mining sites by officials of Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources.
The breakdown showed that nine were apprehended in the three-arm zone, seven in M.I Wushishi, and 17 in the T. Mama Mandela area with 11 water pump generators and one motorbike which were seized.
The commissioner of the ministry, Alhaji Garba Sabo Yahaya who led the team said the initiative was aimed at checking mining operations and ensuring compliance with regulations as well as the security of the people.
Yahaya said the arrests were made in accordance with the governor’s directives saying that the ministry was fully committed to enforcing the ban on mining.
He said the ministry will take decisive action against anyone involved, regardless of whether they possess a licence or not even as he disclosed that the ministry will thoroughly investigate all mining operations in the state.
The commissioner expressed concern over the involvement of children in mining activities to the detriment of their education and therefore warned against such practice.
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