The residents of the Western Bypass area near El-Amin University in Minna, Niger State, were thrown into panic after a violent clash ensued between suspected groups of illegal miners in the early hours of Thursday
In a statement released to newsmen in Minna by Mrs. Dibie Maureen, the Ministry of Mineral Resources’ Information Officer, reported that the fight broke out around dawn before panic-stricken residents called on security operatives to restore order. But upon arrival, the suspected hoodlums had already fled.
According to the statement, several illegal miners were apprehended during the operation and will be charged in court following due legal process.
It stressed that the enforcement operation was led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Alhaji Garba Yahaya, accompanied by senior directors from the ministry and a joint security task force comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Speaking shortly after the operation, Commissioner Yahaya condemned the illegal activities and reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance against illegal mining.
Yahaya described the escalating incidents as a serious threat to public peace, environmental sustainability, and lawful economic development in the state.
The commissioner had reiterated the directive of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, which mandates all illegal miners to vacate the state with immediate effect.
He, however, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police, the NSCDC State Commandant, the Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, and other security stakeholders for their swift and coordinated response.
Yahaya re-emphasised that the ministry will continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure the protection of lives, property, and mineral resources in the state.
