The Niger State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities with the arrest of two Chinese nationals for allegedly violated state mining regulations at the Zuzungi Mining Site.
The foreign nationals were apprehended during a regulatory inspection led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Hon. Muhammad Qasim Danjuma (Danrimin Agaie), alongside senior ministry officials and security operatives. The operation reportedly uncovered unauthorised mining activities being carried out without valid licences and outside approved regulatory guidelines.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation, while the Permanent Secretary of the ministry confirmed they remained in custody pending the provision of relevant documentation.
Speaking during the exercise, Danjuma reaffirmed the state government’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining, warned that individuals or entities found exploiting mineral resources outside the law would face swift sanctions. He stressed that compliance with licensing procedures, as well as environmental and safety standards, remains mandatory for all operators.
The commissioner said illegal mining poses serious threats to government revenue, environmental sustainability and the safety of host communities, noting that the government would continue to strengthen enforcement and inter-agency collaboration to protect the state’s mineral resources.
The inspection team included the Permanent Secretary, directors of the ministry and security personnel, reflecting what officials described as a renewed resolve to clamp down on illegal operators regardless of nationality.
Officials said the action aligns with the New Niger Agenda of Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, which prioritises transparency, lawful resource management and sustainable development in the mining sector.
