The Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources has sustained raids of illegal mining sites in Minna, the state capital, to avert environmental and security problems associated with them, arresting women and children for illegal mining in the process.
The team led by the permanent secretary, Alhaji Yunusa Mohammed Nahauni, conducted comprehensive raids of various locations notorious for illegal mining.
The ministry’s information officer, Maureen Dibie, said the team thoroughly inspected sites for illegal mining around El-amin University, Brighter Road, T- Mama Mandela road, Chanchaga bridge and Federal Government College Staff School, all in the state capital.
She said, “All of those who were suspected to be engaging in unauthorised mining activities were profiled, a significant number of women, men and even children were taken into custody.
“Considering the vulnerability of the women, especially those who are nursing or the elderly and children, a compassionate decision was made to promptly release them. On the other hand, seven men who were apprehended have been transferred to police custody, awaiting further legal action.
“Notably, a sizeable number of mining equipment and tools were confiscated during the operation. …These crucial pieces of evidence have been secured in police custody to further strengthen the case against the illegal miners.”
The statement disclosed that investigations revealed that majority of the miners are from Sokoto and other states, while only a few are from Niger State.
Consequently, the ministry has advanced the need for stringent measures to prevent those from outside the state from exploiting the region’s mineral resources illegally, because of the adverse effects on the environment, security and the local economy.