The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of six illegal mineral processing sites operating in Kontagora Local Government Area as part of efforts to curb unlawful mining activities and enforce compliance with mining regulations.
The enforcement exercise was carried out by the State Ministry of Mineral Resources in collaboration with officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals and other security agencies. The operation followed growing concerns over the activities of unlicensed operators in the area.
Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Muhammad Qasim Danjuma, who led the exercise, said the shutdown formed part of a broader strategy to sanitise the mining sector, protect host communities, and ensure that the state derives maximum economic benefit from its mineral resources.
Before the closure of the sites, the state government conducted a two-day monitoring and stakeholder engagement tour across Mariga and Kontagora Local Government Areas. During the visit, officials met with traditional rulers, community leaders and mining stakeholders to discuss security concerns, communal disputes and the need for strict adherence to mining regulations.
The government noted that illegal mining operations have contributed to environmental degradation, revenue losses and security challenges in several communities. Authorities warned that any operator found violating existing mining laws would face sanctions.
Officials also reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Umar Mohammed Bago's administration to sustaining enforcement operations across the state, stressing that more illegal sites would be identified and shut down if found operating outside the law. Community leaders in the affected areas reportedly welcomed the intervention and pledged support for efforts aimed at promoting lawful mining and peaceful coexistence.
