At least 22 people have been arrested following a violent clash among illegal miners in the M.I. Wushishi Estate area of Minna, Niger State. Several people were injured during the fight.
DSP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed that officers from Maitumbi Division responded quickly after reports of the violence on July 10, 2025, around 10 a.m. The DPO led a team to the scene where they arrested 22 suspects, including some women. Others managed to escape before the police arrived.
The arrested individuals are currently held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna, while efforts continue to find those still at large.
The Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Garba Yahaya, visited the site soon after the incident. His office condemned the illegal mining activities, describing the violent clash as a serious threat to public safety. The ministry reaffirmed the state government’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining, promising stricter enforcement against offenders.
Illegal mining remains a major challenge in Niger State, often causing conflicts and environmental damage, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to curb the practice.