6 Illegal Mining and Processing Sites Shut Down in Niger State

Six illegal mining and mineral processing sites have been shut down in Niger State following a joint operation by the state government and the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The operation was carried out after a two-day monitoring and stakeholder engagement tour led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Muhammad Qasim Danjuma, across Mariga and Kontagora Local Government Areas where the illegal sites were discovered.

The commissioner was accompanied by senior officials of the Mining Marshals from the national headquarters in Abuja and the North Central zonal office. He said the exercise was aimed at strengthening mining regulation, promoting peace in host communities, and curbing illegal mining activities.

According to him, the shutdown of the six sites reflects the government’s commitment to sanitising the mining sector, preventing unlawful operations, and ensuring that mineral resources contribute properly to the state’s economic development.

He also reaffirmed the administration’s efforts to improve security, protect lives and property, and provide sustainable solutions to challenges affecting mining communities in the state.

Community leaders and traditional rulers in the affected areas commended the government’s intervention, describing it as timely and effective in addressing illegal mining concerns in the region.

Illegal mining has remained a major issue in parts of Niger State, often linked to community tensions and disputes among local groups in Mariga Local Government Area.

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