Six illegal miners have been arrested by Niger State Police operatives at an unlicensed mining site in the state.
The operatives also took possession of the mining equipment from the suspects.
The state police command’s spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, revealed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Minna, Niger State.
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Abiodun stated that the suspects were apprehended in Paiko, Paikoro Local Government Area, and noted that the illegal miners were also found in possession of dangerous weapons.
“Abiodun gave the names of the suspects as Aliyu Rabiu, 19 years, Samaila Ibrahim, 31 years, Sadiku Auwal, 23 years, Ibrahim Babangida, 29 years, Musa Adamu, 30 years, Sani Hassan, 28 years, all of Dangado village of Paiko area. He disclosed that other suspects escaped arrest.
“On September 13, 2025, at about 2 pm, 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.
“During this raid operation, six suspects were arrested at the scene, while others escaped. The suspects are: Aliyu Rabiu, 19 years, Samaila Ibrahim, 31 years, Sadiku Auwal, 23 years, Ibrahim Babangida, 29 years, Musa Adamu, 30 years, Sani Hassan, 28 years, all of Dangado village of Paiko area.
“The suspects were arrested with three water pump engines, two diggers, headpans, knives, cutlasses, shovels, and other illicit drugs. Similarly, some illegal mining locations in Chanchaga were also raided, and some suspects were arrested. All suspects are under investigation, and they will be charged in court for prosecution accordingly, while these efforts continue,” Abiodun said.
The spokesman highlighted that the operation was carried out following the directive of the Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, aimed at curbing illegal mining to protect lives, property, and the environment.
