Police operatives in Niger State have arrested six suspected illegal miners.

The Niger State Police Command has apprehended six suspected illegal miners at a mining site in Paikoro Local Government Area.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the suspects were caught in possession of dangerous weapons, diggers, water pump engines, and illicit drugs.

“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, mnips to clamp down on illegal mining in the State for safety of lives, property and our dear environment. Consequently, on September 13, 2025 at about 2pm, based on information received, the Crack Squad of the Command stormed an illegal mining site at Dangado village via Paiko, Paikoro LGA and engaged some illegal miners found at the location who were also seen with dangerous weapons,” the statement read.

“During this raid operation, six suspects were arrested at the scene while others escaped, the suspects are; Aliyu Rabiu 19yrs, Samaila Ibrahim 31yrs, Sadiku Auwal 23yrs, Ibrahim Babangida 29yrs, Musa Adamu 30yrs and Sani Hassan 28yrs, all of Dangado village of Paiko area.

The suspects were arrested with three water pump engines, two diggers, head pans, knives, cutlasses, shovels and other illicit drugs. Similarly, some illegal mining locations in Chanchaga were also raided and some suspects were arrested.

“All suspects are under investigation and they will be charged to court for prosecution accordingly, while these efforts continue.”