Operatives of the Niger State command of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested six illegal miners during a raid on a mining site in Paiko, Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.
The police also recovered mining equipment and dangerous weapons from the suspects, while several others escaped.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday in Minna.
Abiodun identified the suspects as Aliyu Rabiu, 19; Samaila Ibrahim, 31; Sadiku Auwal, 23; Ibrahim Babangida, 29; Musa Adamu, 30; and Sani Hassan, 28, all of Dangado village in Paiko.
“On September 13, 2025, at about 2 pm, 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.
“During this raid operation, six suspects were arrested at the scene, while others escaped,” he said.
The spokesman listed the items seized as three water pump engines, two diggers, shovels, head pans, knives, cutlasses and illicit drugs.
He added that other illegal mining sites in Chanchaga were also raided, with more arrests made.
“All suspects are under investigation, and they will be charged in court accordingly,” Abiodun stated.
He explained that the raid was in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the state for the safety of lives, property and the environment.
Naija News understands that on September 2, the Taskforce on Illegal Mining in Cross River, chaired by Prince Paul Effiong, also arrested several persons engaged in illegal limestone mining in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
Effiong said the arrests followed repeated warnings to illegal miners, stressing that their activities continued to rise despite the government’s efforts to stop them.
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