Minna, Niger State – Tension gripped residents of the Western Bypass area near El-Amin University in Minna early Thursday morning after a violent clash erupted between rival groups of illegal miners operating behind the PDP Secretariat.
The disturbance, which began at dawn, caused panic among locals as the sounds of fighting echoed through the area, forcing many to flee.
In response, officials from the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources, supported by a joint security task force, swiftly intervened to contain the unrest.
Though the main perpetrators had fled before authorities arrived, several illegal miners were apprehended during the operation. Government officials confirmed that those arrested will face prosecution.
The enforcement operation was led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Garba Yahaya, accompanied by senior ministry directors and personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Condemning the incident, Commissioner Yahaya warned that illegal mining poses a growing threat to public safety, environmental sustainability, and the state’s economic stability.
He reiterated the directive of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, calling for all illegal miners to vacate Niger State immediately.
“We will not stand by while criminal elements endanger lives, destroy our environment, and threaten peaceful coexistence,” Yahaya stated.
He expressed gratitude to the heads of the state’s security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, the NSCDC Commandant, and the Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, for their swift and coordinated response.
Yahaya reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to continued collaboration with security forces to safeguard Niger State’s mineral wealth and communities.
The ministry also raised alarms over the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining in the area. Reported damages include destroyed drainage systems, encroachment on burial grounds near the M. I. Wushishi Estate, collapsed fences, and blocked culverts—raising the risk of severe flooding in surrounding neighborhoods.
Officials emphasized that efforts to restore order and protect the state’s environment will continue with full legal backing.
By Anna Moses
