Olusegun Ariyo
At least 22 people have been arrested following a violent clash involving illegal miners in the M.I. Wushishi Estate area of Minna, Niger State, that left several injured.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said officers from the Maitumbi Division responded swiftly after receiving reports about the unrest.
“On July 10, 2025, around 10:00 a.m., our operatives were alerted to a violent clash linked to illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi Estate area. The DPO of Maitumbi Division led a team to the scene, where 22 suspects were apprehended. Some others fled before police arrival,” Abiodun said.
He added that the suspects, including several women, are currently being held at the state criminal investigation department (SCID) in Minna, while efforts are ongoing to track down others who escaped.
The Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Garba Yahaya, visited the scene shortly after the incident.
According to a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Dibie Maureen, the commissioner condemned the illegal mining activities and described the violent clash as a threat to public safety.
This statement also reiterated that the government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining.
