Commissioner Mohammed Qasim Danjuma leads a vital illegal mining crackdown in Minna, arresting seven suspects and seizing equipment under the New Niger Agenda
Commissioner for Mineral Resources Mohammed Qasim Danjuma led a vital illegal mining crackdown behind the Bilkebeb Shango area of Minna, resulting in the apprehension of seven suspects found operating within a residential community.
Also read: Poisonous gas kills 37 miners in Plateau state
The enforcement team, which arrived at the location at approximately 6:30 p.m., disrupted the clandestine activities as part of a broader state mandate to secure local environments.
Director of Administration AGM Zuma and senior officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps accompanied Mohammed Qasim Danjuma during the evening raid.
Beyond the arrests, the delegation oversaw the confiscation of nine motorcycles allegedly utilised by the suspects to facilitate their illicit trade.
A notable secondary highlight of the operation involved the immediate mapping of the site to assess environmental degradation.
This technical assessment ensured that the specific risks posed to the foundations of nearby homes were documented for the subsequent restoration phase of the project.
Mohammed Qasim Danjuma handed the seven individuals and the seized transport over to the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for formal processing.
The Operational Commander of the Corps confirmed that the suspects would remain in custody pending a comprehensive investigation into their local supply chains.
The Commissioner described the presence of extraction activities in a populated suburb as a grave threat to public safety.
Mohammed Qasim Danjuma framed the illegal mining crackdown as a core component of the New Niger Agenda, a policy framework established by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to reform the extractive industry.
This formidable stance against unregulated extraction aims to bolster internally generated revenue while safeguarding the natural landscape of the state.
Mohammed Qasim Danjuma warned that the government would no longer tolerate the pillaging of resources at the expense of community health.
The Ministry for Mineral Resources intends to maintain a heightened surveillance presence across known mineral deposits to ensure compliance with new provincial regulations.
Also read: CBN directive exposes massive dormant bank accounts
By integrating the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps into regular patrols, the administration seeks to foster a culture of responsible and documented mining practices across the region.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
