Niger Police Confirm Arrest of 22 Illegal Miners After Violent Clash
The Niger State Police Command has arrested 22 illegal miners following a violent clash that erupted among rival groups in Minna.
The incident occurred on Thursday near the M.I. Wushishi Estate area of the state capital. Eyewitnesses reported that several individuals sustained injuries during the altercation before law enforcement arrived at the scene.
Confirming the development on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said officers from the Maitumbi Division swiftly responded after receiving intelligence about the disturbance.
“On July 10, 2025, at about 10:00 a.m., information was received regarding a clash among illegal miners around the M.I. Wushishi Estate area. The Divisional Police Officer of Maitumbi mobilised personnel to the scene,” Abiodun stated.
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While some suspects fled the area, the police apprehended 22 individuals, including some women. The arrested persons were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further interrogation.
Abiodun added that surveillance operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing members of the illegal mining groups responsible for the unrest.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Mineral Resources also confirmed the arrests. Its spokesperson, Dibie Maureen, said the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Garba Yahaya, visited the scene of the clash to assess the situation.
“Several illegal miners were apprehended and will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” Maureen said.
The Commissioner, she added, condemned the activities of illegal miners and reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance policy against unlawful mining operations. Yahaya described the situation as a serious threat to public peace, environmental sustainability, and lawful economic development in Niger State.
The state government, in collaboration with security agencies, has vowed to intensify efforts to rid the region of illegal mining operations and safeguard local communities.
By PRNigeria
