Niger Seeks Partnership To Fight Illegal Mining

Niger State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Hon. Muhammed Danjuma, has called for the revival of the state’s illegal mining task force in a collective and coordinated approach to tackle the surge in illegal mining in the state.

He observed that illegal mining had posed a threat to both security and sustainable development across the state.

LEADERSHIP Sunday findings revealed that most of the insecurity-prone areas in the state have large deposits of solid minerals, as some of those perpetrating criminal activities like banditry were also involved in illegal mining.

Consequently, the commissioner visited the Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, in Minna, where he also emphasised that illegal mining has evolved beyond simple regulatory violations to become a gateway for broader criminal activities which undermine community safety and economic growth.

“Our vision is a Niger state where mineral resources contribute to prosperity, not criminality. Illegal mining has provided cover for miscreants who exploit our lands, degrade our environment, and fuel instability in host communities,” he said.

Danjuma described the revival of the illegal mining task force as a crucial step toward restoring order in the sector, adding that the task force would act as a multi-agency enforcement and monitoring unit to ensure regulatory compliance, reduce criminal infiltration, and safeguard livelihoods.

The commissioner reiterated the ministry’s commitment to partner with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, calling on them to share intelligence and strengthen operational coordination.

On his part, CP Elleman assured the command’s full support to tackle the menace effectively, noting that actionable intelligence would be key to anticipating and disrupting unlawful mining activities.