Niger Govt  Sets to Crack Down on Illegal Mining, Arrests Foreign Nationals

By YM Bina

The Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Niger State, Hon. Muhammad Qasim Danjuma (Danrimin Agaie), has carried out a strategic regulatory inspection at the Zuzungi Mining Site, leading to decisive enforcement action against illegal mining operations in the area.

This is contained in a press statement issued by the Information Officer of the Ministry for Mineral Resources, Dibie Maureen in Minna.

He said during the operation, two foreign nationals were arrested for engaging in unauthorised mining activities in violation of established regulatory frameworks. The suspects were immediately handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary legal action in line with existing laws.

The inspection, conducted alongside the Permanent Secretary, Directors of the Ministry, and relevant security agencies, is part of the Ministry’s intensified efforts to enforce compliance, uphold regulatory standards, and protect the State’s mineral resources from unlawful exploitation.

Speaking during the exercise, the Honourable Commissioner reaffirmed the Niger State Government’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining. He stressed that all operators must strictly comply with licensing requirements, approved guidelines, and environmental regulations.

He further highlighted that safeguarding host communities, preserving the environment, and upholding the rule of law remain top priorities of the State’s mining policy.

According to her, this action reflects the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to responsible resource management, institutional accountability, and the creation of a safe, transparent, and investment-friendly mining sectoe , it also aligns with the vision of His Excellency, Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, and the broader objectives of the New Niger Agenda.