Niger Law Enforcement Apprehends 30 Suspects In Illegal Mining Sweep

Niger Law Enforcement Apprehends 30 Suspects In Illegal Mining Sweep

Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Garba Sabo, announced yesterday, April 15, that thirty individuals have been apprehended for engaging in illegal mining activities in Niger State.

Sabo also disclosed that the ministry has initiated the profiling of 229 mining companies to evaluate their operations for potential approval or disapproval.

Addressing reporters, Sabo explained that the arrests occurred during recent inspections of illegal mining sites. He expressed regret that additional arrests were not possible as the miners fled upon sighting law enforcement officers.

Emphasizing the continued prohibition of illegal mining, Sabo stated, “It is unfair to label us as incompetent without witnessing the efforts we have undertaken. Despite accompanying security personnel, we often encounter attacks when entering these mining sites. Our utmost priority is to curb this menace and safeguard the sites.”

Sabo hinted at the ministry’s plans to implement biometric measures to gather comprehensive information on all miners in the state, aiming to prevent the monopolization of the mining industry by a select few companies.

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