Two foreign nationals have been arrested at the Zuzungi mining site in Katcha local government area of Niger State for allegedly engaging in unauthorised mining activities in violation of existing regulatory frameworks.
The arrest followed a strategic regulatory inspection led by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Muhammad Qasim Danjuma, alongside the Permanent Secretary, directors of the Ministry, and relevant security agencies.
The suspects were immediately handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and appropriate legal action in accordance with the law.
The operation is part of the Niger State Government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal mining activities and its broader effort to strengthen compliance, enforce mining regulations, and safeguard the state’s mineral resources from unlawful exploitation.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, stressing that all operators must obtain proper licences and adhere strictly to approved operational and environmental standards.
He further emphasized that the protection of host communities, environmental sustainability, and respect for the rule of law remain central to the state’s mining policy.
The government noted that the enforcement action aligns with its commitment to responsible resource management, institutional accountability, and the development of a transparent and investment-friendly mining sector under the New Niger Agenda.
Crackdown at Zuzungi: Two foreign nationals arrested over illegal mining activities
