Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Danmamman, has identified artisanal illegal mining as a significant challenge facing the Command, aside from insecurity.
He disclosed that so far, no fewer than 70 artisanal illegal miners have been arrested by the command in 2024.
The CP, who stated this in Minna while speaking on the achievements of the Command in 2024, said the Police have been tackling this menace with other security agencies in the state.
This issue is predominantly, according to him, prevalent in local governments such as Rafi, Paiko, Katcha, and Chanchaga.
He stated that to address this challenge, the Police have been collaborating with other security agencies in the state to raid and arrest unregulated illegal miners.
CP Danmamman emphasized the importance of tackling illegal mining, which has been linked to loss of lives and other security concerns.
“The Command has been tackling this with other security agencies through frequent raiding and arresting most of these unregulated illegal miners. Over seventy (70) illegal/artisan miners were arrested within the year.”
He disclosed that some of the exhibits recovered include headpans, shovels, diggers, cutlasses, sticks, and other dangerous weapons.
Danmamman further added that suspects were prosecuted accordingly, and various punishments, including fines, were awarded to them.
Illegal mining, insecurity top challenges facing police in Niger – CP Danmamman