Precious Anga
Lagos — The Niger State Government has intensified efforts to sanitise the mining sector, shutting down six illegal mineral processing sites during a coordinated enforcement operation in Mariga and Kontagora local government areas.
The two-day exercise, led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Hon. Muhammad Qasim Danjuma, was carried out in collaboration with the Mining Marshals Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as part of broader efforts to curb illegal mining, improve regulatory compliance and boost government revenue from solid minerals.
The enforcement team included the Federal Head of Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant Onoja, the North-Central Zonal Head of Mining Marshals, Jibrin Muhammad, and other security personnel responsible for protecting the nation’s mineral assets.
Officials said the affected processing sites were operating outside approved regulatory frameworks and were immediately sealed off.
Beyond enforcement, the state government also launched a peace-building initiative in Wamba Ward of Mariga Local Government Area to address tensions linked to mining activities in host communities.
The delegation held consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders from Wamba, Mangoro, Igwama and Kasuwan Garba communities during a meeting hosted by the District Head of Wamba, Alhaji Isah Ya’u.
Discussions focused on security concerns, communal disputes and measures to promote peaceful coexistence in mining areas.
Speaking during the engagement, Danjuma reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s administration to tackling insecurity, protecting lives and property, and promoting responsible mining practices across the state.
He stressed that sustainable development in mining communities depends on peace, security and strict adherence to mining regulations.
Community leaders welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and necessary. They commended the government’s decision to combine enforcement with stakeholder engagement, noting that illegal mining has contributed to growing tensions in several communities.
The stakeholders also pledged their support for government efforts aimed at promoting responsible resource extraction, protecting host communities and ensuring that mining activities contribute meaningfully to local economic development.
The latest crackdown signals the state government’s determination to restore order in the mining sector while creating a more secure and sustainable environment for legitimate investors and host communities.
