The Niger State Government has renewed its determination to eliminate illegal mining across the State, warning that individuals, groups and companies operating outside the law will be arrested and prosecuted if they fail to stop their activities immediately.
The fresh directive comes as the State Government steps up efforts to restore order in the mining sector, strengthen regulatory compliance and ensure that the exploitation of mineral resources contributes meaningfully to economic growth rather than environmental destruction and revenue losses.
The latest warning was issued by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Mohammed Danjuma, who reiterated that the Government would no longer tolerate unlicensed mining operations anywhere within the State.
Speaking on the Government’s position, Danjuma stressed that every mining operator must obtain the appropriate licences and statutory approvals before commencing any exploration or extraction activities. According to him, operating without legal authorisation is a direct violation of existing mining regulations and will attract the full weight of the law.
He explained that the State Government remains committed to building a transparent and properly regulated mining industry capable of attracting credible investors while protecting host communities and preserving the environment for future generations.
The Commissioner described illegal mining as one of the major obstacles to sustainable development in Niger State, noting that the activities of unauthorised operators continue to pose serious environmental, economic and security concerns.
According to him, unregulated mining damages farmlands, pollutes water sources, degrades the environment and exposes nearby communities to avoidable safety risks. Beyond the environmental consequences, he said illegal mining also deprives both Government and host communities of legitimate revenue, taxes and other economic benefits that would ordinarily accrue from properly regulated mining activities.
Danjuma disclosed that the Ministry of Mineral Resources has significantly intensified surveillance across mining locations in collaboration with relevant security agencies and regulatory institutions. The objective, he said, is to identify illegal operators, halt unauthorised activities and bring offenders before the law.
He warned that anyone found extracting mineral resources without a valid licence or official approval should expect immediate legal action.
According to the Commissioner, the Government’s resolve is driven by the need to reposition the mining industry as an important pillar of economic development while ensuring that operators comply with environmental standards and regulatory obligations.
“The Government will not tolerate activities that undermine efforts to regulate the mining sector and ensure its contribution to sustainable development,” he stated.
The renewed warning follows several enforcement measures already introduced by the Niger State Government this year as authorities continue their campaign against illegal mining operations.
In recent months, the Ministry of Mineral Resources has shut down several illegal processing sites, carried out enforcement operations in mining communities and arrested suspected illegal miners as part of broader efforts to sanitise the sector. Officials say these operations are intended to discourage unlawful exploitation of mineral resources while encouraging responsible investment in the industry.
Danjuma urged prospective investors interested in mining opportunities within Niger State to follow the proper legal procedures by securing all required federal licences and completing relevant State documentation before commencing operations.
He maintained that the Government welcomes genuine investors who are willing to comply with established regulations and contribute to the State’s economic development through lawful mining activities.
The Commissioner also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and residents living in mining communities to actively support the Government’s campaign against illegal mining.
He encouraged members of the public to promptly report suspicious mining activities or unauthorised operators to the appropriate authorities, saying community cooperation remains essential to protecting the State’s natural resources.
According to him, meaningful progress in tackling illegal mining can only be achieved through collaboration between Government institutions, security agencies and local communities.
He assured licensed mining companies that the State Government remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment where legitimate operators can thrive without interference from illegal competitors.
The Government, he added, will continue implementing policies that encourage responsible mining practices while ensuring strict compliance with environmental protection measures and operational standards.
Danjuma further emphasised that enforcement of mining regulations will remain continuous, warning that no individual or company found violating the law would be spared from prosecution.
The latest declaration aligns with broader national efforts aimed at strengthening oversight of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. The Federal Government has repeatedly identified illegal mining as a major challenge affecting national revenue, environmental sustainability and security, leading to increased collaboration with security agencies and the Mining Marshals established to combat illegal operations across the country.
Niger State remains one of Nigeria’s leading mineral-producing states, with abundant deposits of gold and other solid minerals that have attracted both legitimate investors and illegal operators over the years.
State authorities believe that eliminating illegal mining will not only improve environmental protection but also increase Government revenue, create more legitimate employment opportunities and strengthen investor confidence in the mining industry.
As surveillance operations continue across mining communities, officials have reiterated that every operator must comply with existing laws governing mineral exploration and extraction or face arrest, prosecution and other sanctions prescribed by law. The Government insists that only a transparent, accountable and properly regulated mining sector can unlock the full economic potential of Niger State’s vast mineral resources while safeguarding the interests of local communities and future generations.