A violent clash among illegal miners broke out on Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi Estate area of Minna, Niger State, leading to multiple injuries before police intervention. Eyewitnesses reported that the altercation caused panic in the area, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
The Niger State Police Command, through its spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident and stated that 22 suspects, including some women, were arrested. The operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer of the Maitumbi Division, and the arrested individuals were taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna. Police are still monitoring the area in search of fleeing suspects.
In addition, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Dibie Maureen, confirmed that the state’s Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Garba Yahaya, visited the site of the clash. He condemned the activities of the illegal miners and emphasized that those arrested would face legal charges.
Yahaya further stressed the government’s firm stance against illegal mining, describing the incident as a serious threat to public peace, environmental safety, and the state’s lawful economic growth. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing regulations to ensure responsible and sustainable mining activities.
