The Niger State Government is stepping up its fight against illegal mining — and it’s already yielding results. In a coordinated operation led by the Ministry of Mineral Resources and backed by security agencies, a total of 41 illegal miners were arrested across key hotspots in Minna.

The raid, which took place on Friday, was spearheaded by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Alhaji Garba Yahaya, who personally led the team. Among those arrested were 34 men and 7 women operating in known illegal mining zones — including areas behind the PDP Secretariat near El-Amin University and Caterigwari Mechanic Village.

During the operation, authorities seized various tools commonly used in illegal mining such as pulping machines, hoses, and shovels.

Alhaji Yahaya didn't mince words about the seriousness of the situation. He emphasized that illegal mining is not only a criminal offense but also a major threat to the environment, causing land pollution and long-term ecological damage.

“We are committed to restoring order, protecting our environment, and ensuring that Niger State’s resources benefit all its people,” Yahaya said.

The Commissioner also issued a strong warning to traditional leaders and landowners, urging them not to sell land to unauthorized miners. He stressed that such actions only encourage illegal operations that harm the community and rob the state of valuable resources.

Yahaya reaffirmed the Bago administration’s commitment to creating a safer, more economically viable state — one that is welcoming to both local and foreign investors.

He called on the people of Niger State to join hands with the government in the fight against illegal mining, stressing that only collective action can bring lasting change.

“These operations will continue until we cleanse our state of this menace,” he concluded.