Enyioha Opara, Minna

A combined team of security operatives drawn from the army, the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have arrested 92 illegal miners in Niger State.

The suspects were arrested at illegal mining sites in Tunga Goro in the Chanchaga Local Government Area of the state.

Our correspondent gathered in Minna on Thursday that the security personnel stormed the mining sites just as the illegal miners were getting ready for the day’s business.

Those arrested were 63 females and 29 males.

The operatives recovered two single-barrelled guns from two of the suspects, Aliyu Gajere, 40, and Garba Abubakar, 25, both of whom were said to be at large.

One of the suspects, identified simply as Mohammed, in an interview with our correspondent, described illegal mining as a thriving business in Minna.

Mohammed stated, “It is a business that couples enjoy most in Niger State. All the men here were arrested with their wives. We have been in this business for more than six years without being apprehended.

“It is like a union; we have rules and regulations guiding our activities. Honestly, we make good money from it.”

The Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Abubakar, confirmed the incident.

He said the suspects were taken into custody for illegal mining.

Abubakar explained that security operatives involved in the operation found weapons on some of the suspects.

He added that the suspects would be charged as soon as investigation into the matter was completed.

Source: https://punchng.com/security-operatives-arrest-92-illegal-miners-in-niger/amp/

These illegal miners need to simply get license. The only reason they probably wont is because they're no ready to pay taxes, obey environmental laws or the other regulations. Im actually surprised so many females are involved in this bust.

Mohammed stated, “It is a business that couples enjoy most in Niger State. All the men here were arrested with their wives. We have been in this business for more than six years without being apprehended.

I'm sure Mr. Mohammad isn't paying taxes after making all that good money either. After 6 years you guys should thought to go legitimate.

Bump