Niger Police Arrest Seven for Illegal Mining Activities

On March 22, 2023, the Niger State Police Command announced the arrest of seven suspects aged between 27 and 40 for illegal mining and vandalism of government property in Gurara Local Government Area. The operation, led by the police division in Gawu Babangida, was part of a broader initiative to protect public property.

The suspects were apprehended during a sting operation, where police recovered two water pump engines, 14 carpets, six shovels, three diggers, two pipes, and seven head pans. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further investigation.

This arrest follows a similar raid on March 17, 2023, where eight suspects were arrested, and various mining tools were also recovered. The police spokesperson, Wasui Abiodun, emphasized the command's commitment to fighting illegal mining and vandalism in the state.