Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Illegal Mining in Niger

Two Chinese nationals were arrested in Niger State for engaging in unauthorized mining activities. The arrests occurred during a strategic regulatory inspection led by Alhaji Muhammad Qasim Danjuma, the state commissioner for mineral resources.

Following their arrest, the individuals were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and potential prosecution in accordance with the law. Yunusa Saidu Ibrahim, the director of information at the Ministry of Information, stated that the operation aimed to expose ongoing illegal mining activities that defy the established legal regulatory framework governing the sector in Niger State.

The government has reiterated its commitment to clamping down on illegal operations, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards violations of mining laws. The commission warned that breaches of regulations would attract swift sanctions, as illegal mining undermines government revenue and poses serious environmental risks, threatening the safety of host communities.