Police Arrest Six Illegal Miners In Niger State

The Niger State Police Command has detained six individuals engaged in illegal mining activities at a site in Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, revealed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, noting that the suspects were apprehended with dangerous weapons, diggers, water pump engines, and illicit drugs.

“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, mnips to clamp down on illegal mining in the State for safety of lives, property and our dear environment. Consequently, on September 13, 2025 at about 2pm, based on information received, the Crack Squad of the Command stormed an illegal mining site at Dangado village via Paiko, Paikoro LGA and engaged some illegal miners found at the location who were also seen with dangerous weapons,” the statement read.

During the raid operation, six suspects were apprehended at the scene, while others fled. The suspects are Aliyu Rabiu, 19 years old, Samaila Ibrahim, 31 years old, Sadiku Auwal, 23 years old, Ibrahim Babangida, 29 years old, Musa Adamu, 30 years old, and Sani Hassan, 28 years old, all residents of Dangado village in the Paiko area.

The suspects were found in possession of three water pump engines, two diggers, head pans, knives, cutlasses, shovels, and various illicit drugs. Additionally, other illegal mining sites in Chanchaga were raided, leading to further arrests of suspects.

“All suspects are under investigation and they will be charged to court for prosecution accordingly, while these efforts continue.”

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Nnamdi Okoli