Niger Govt arrests two foreigners for illegal mining
Two foreign nationals have been arrested by the Niger state government for engaging in unauthorized mining activities in the state. The arrest was carried out during a regulatory inspection at
Two foreign nationals have been arrested by the Niger state government for engaging in unauthorized mining activities in the state.
The arrest was carried out during a regulatory inspection at the Zuzungi Mining Site by the state Ministry of Mining Resources, led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Niger State, Muhammad Qasim Danjuma.
According to the Commissioner, the inspection is part of the state's decisive enforcement action against illegal mining operations in the area, adding that the arrest was done because the foreigners were operating in violation of established regulatory frameworks.
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The suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and necessary legal action in line with existing laws.
The inspection was conducted alongside the Permanent Secretary, Directors of the Ministry, and relevant security agencies, as the Ministry vows to enforce compliance, uphold regulatory standards, and protect the State’s mineral resources from unlawful exploitation.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Niger State Government’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining, stressing that all operators must strictly comply with licensing requirements, approved guidelines, and environmental regulations.
He further highlighted that safeguarding host communities, preserving the environment, and upholding the rule of law remain top priorities of the State’s mining policy.
