The federal government has suspended all mining activities in Unguwar Magro Village, Niger State, following the recent murder of 12 miners by bandits.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake announced the suspension via a statement on his official X handle, in response to reports of foreign nationals allegedly funding illegal mining operations in Nigeria and the tragic incident in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area.
Alake also urged embassies to closely monitor the activities of their nationals involved in the sector, warning that criminal behaviour could negatively impact bilateral relations.
Additionally, he stated that mining operations in the area have been suspended to identify those responsible for the crime.
He said, “I assure Nigerians that security agencies are on the trail of the murderers of twelve miners shot in Unguwar Magro Village, Niger State, and they will be apprehended soon.
“No mining will occur at the attack site until investigations are complete. Security agencies are committed to ensuring that mines across the country are safe from bandits seeking to exploit mineral-rich areas through violence.
“The Mining Marshals are working with intelligence units to turn this attack into a special case, tracking the suspected bandits infiltrating Shiroro from neighbouring states. Those who invade villages and kill innocents for illegal mining will face severe consequences.”
The minister condemned the attack, vowing to avenge the miners’ deaths and assuring that security agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators to bring them to justice.
He pointed out that early reports indicated that these actions were being funded by non-Nigerians, and it was said that those participating would be prosecuted for war against Nigeria and economic sabotage.
He assured that security measures are being taken to safeguard mining sites around the country and stressed the resolve of security services to stop bandits and other criminal elements from invading areas rich in minerals.
Insecurity has prevented the nation from receiving investments in the solid resource industry, despite its substantial reserves of gold, iron ore, lithium, and other materials, which are in high demand worldwide.
In the northern states of Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa, Zamfara, and Plateau, bandit activities have displaced communities, with illegal mining and black market sales of solid minerals rampant in these areas.
