The Niger State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities and other crimes across the state, with the arrest of thirty (30) suspected illegal miners in Minna and several others nabbed for firearm possession, motorcycle theft, and fraud.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, on Thursday, 17th April 2025.
According to the statement, the illegal miners were arrested on 14th April, 2025 during a raid carried out by operatives of Chanchaga Division at an illegal mining site located behind the College of Education, Minna. The operation followed intelligence reports and formed part of efforts by the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, mnips, to sanitize the state capital and tackle environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining.
During the raid, thirty suspects were apprehended while others fled the scene. Recovered from the site were 69 shovels, 182 head pans, 33 diggers, 38 plastic containers, and one hoe. After screening, minors and some women were released, while eighteen (18) suspects were charged to court. The Command assured that surveillance and enforcement efforts will be sustained.
In a related development, on 11th April, 2025, operatives of the Counter Terrorism Unit arrested one Abdullahi Sani, 20, of Rafin-Daji, Abaji (FCT) at Gidan-Gwona, Saminaka area of Gurara LGA. He was in possession of a fabricated AK-49 rifle with a magazine containing three live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. His alleged commander, Danlami Bala, was later arrested. Both suspects are under investigation.
On 9th April, one Shamsu Ibrahim, 20, of Limawa, Minna, was arrested for stealing a white Jincheng motorcycle. He confessed to selling it in Maitumbi for ₦50,000. The stolen bike was recovered, and the suspect remained in custody pending prosecution.
Also, on 16th April, acting on intelligence, operatives from Maje Division arrested four suspected fraudsters at Izom cattle market. The suspects : Aliyu Abbas, Jibrin Idris, Musa Ya’u, and Abubakar Yahaya were caught with ₦1.2 million cash, fake currency-making chemicals, cut-size papers, a handcuff, and two phones. They confessed to defrauding unsuspecting victims at various markets across the state by posing as policemen or fake currency dealers.
SP Abiodun reiterated the Command’s determination to rid the state of criminal elements. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
