Five illegal miners have been arrested at the Izom Bridge along the Minna-Suleja Road in the Izom ward of Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The state Ministry of Mineral Resources and security agents have embarked on strategic programmes to end illegal mining in the affected local governments in the state.
The arrest of the suspects Shafi’u Tanimu, Rashidu Isyaku, Arnabaya Isyaku, Abdullahi Yusuf, and Awalu Mustapher, was made known on Friday by the information officer of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Dibie Maureen, in a statement in which she said the activities of the illegal miners were threatening the stability of the Izom Bridge and eroding the lands around the mining areas.
She disclosed that a visit by the Commissioner of Mineral Resources, Garba Yahaya, following complaints of threat to the bridge from the activities of the illegal miners led to the arrest of the suspects.
“The visit was prompted by reports of illegal miners and merchants threatening the stability of Izom Bridge. The land surrounding the bridge has been severely degraded, with extensive excavations that are eroding towards the structure.
“The illegal miners typically operate between 0030 hours and 0400 hours, under the cover of darkness. Identified individuals among the miners include Shafi’u Tanimu, Rashidu Isyaku, Arnabaya Isyaku, Abdullahi Yusuf, and Awalu Mustapher,” the information officer stated
The commissioner was said to have visited the district head of the Izom community, Ibrahim Salihu, and his fellow community members where he highlighted the economic significance of the road, as well as the security and environmental implications of unregulated mining activities.
Garba warned that security agents would conduct a raid on the illegal mining sites to apprehend the perpetrators, reminding the community about the order from the governor to suspend all mining activities and crack down on illegal miners in the state. “Anyone caught engaging in illegal mining will be arrested and charged,” he said.
The district head who responded on behalf of the community assured the visitors that the town crier would circulate the community, warning that those caught on any mining site would face arrest and legal consequences.
