Following the arrest of thirty (30) suspected illegal miners in parts of Niger State by police operatives attached to the State Police Command in Minna and its environs?allegedly found in possession of firearms and involved in motorcycle theft and fraud?the authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal mining activities and other crimes across the state.

This was disclosed on Thursday, 17 April 2025, in Minna by the Police Public Relations Officer attached to the Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, in a press statement, a copy of which was obtained by journalists.

According to the statement, the illegal miners were arrested on 14 April 2025 during a raid carried out by operatives of the Chanchaga Division at an illegal mining site located behind the State College of Education (COE), Minna.

The operation followed intelligence reports and formed part of efforts by the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, to sanitise the state capital and address the environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining.

SP Abiodun stated that during the raid, 30 suspects were apprehended, while others fled the scene. He highlighted that items recovered from the site included 69 shovels, 182 head pans, 33 diggers, 38 plastic containers, and one hoe.

Following screening, minors and some women were released, while 18 suspects were charged to court.

The Command, however, assured that surveillance and enforcement efforts would be sustained.

In a related development, on 11 April 2025, operatives of the Counter-Terrorism Unit arrested one Abdullahi Sani, 20, of Rafin-Daji, Abaji (FCT), at Gidan-Gwona, Saminaka area of Gurara LGA.

He was reportedly found in possession of a fabricated AK-49 rifle with a magazine containing three live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

His alleged commander, Danlami Bala, was later apprehended. Both suspects are currently under investigation.

Earlier, on 9 April, one Shamsu Ibrahim, 20, of Limawa, Minna, was arrested for stealing a white Jincheng motorcycle. He confessed to selling it in Maitumbi for ?50,000. The stolen bike was recovered, and the suspect remains in custody pending prosecution.

Also, on 16 April, acting on intelligence, operatives from the Maje Division arrested four suspected fraudsters at the Izom cattle market.

The suspects?Aliyu Abbas, Jibrin Idris, Musa Ya?u, and Abubakar Yahaya?were found with ?1.2 million in cash, fake currency-making chemicals, cut-size papers, a handcuff, and two mobile phones. They confessed to defrauding unsuspecting victims in various markets across the state by posing as police officers or counterfeit currency dealers.

SP Abiodun reiterated the Command?s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. (TRIBUNE)

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