By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Hon. Alhaji Muhammad Qasim Danjuma, has ordered the ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Niger State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Hon. Alhaji Muhammad Qasim Danjuma, has ordered the arrest of four Chinese nationals over suspected illegal mining activities in Maiya’aki Village, Lapai Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner reportedly took the action after discovering that the mining operation was allegedly being carried out without the knowledge or authorisation of the Niger State Government.
The matter was initially reported to the Emir of Lapai, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umar Bago Tafida III, who subsequently directed the District Head of Abugi, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha, popularly known as Chiroma Lapai, to inspect the mining site on September 1, 2026.
During his subsequent visit to the site, Commissioner Danjuma reportedly demanded that the operators produce their mining licences and relevant permits.
However, the operators allegedly failed to provide satisfactory and verifiable documentation authorising their mining activities.
Following the development, the four Chinese nationals were arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and necessary action.
Other individuals found at the mining site were directed to remain there, while the mining equipment and other properties at the location were secured pending the outcome of the investigation.
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