At least 22 people have been arrested after a violent shock that involved illegal miners in the area of ownership of my minna Wushishi, a state of Niger that left several injured.
When confirming the incident, the spokesman for the Niger state command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said that the Maitumbi division officers responded quickly after receiving reports on the riots.
“On July 10, 2025, around 10:00 am, our agents were alerted to a violent shock linked to illegal mining activities in the area of the property of my Wushishi. The DPO of the Maitumbi division led a team to the scene, where 22 suspects were arrested. Some others fled before the arrival of the police,” said Abiodun.
He added that the suspects, including several women, are currently in the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna, while the efforts are ongoing to locate others who escaped.
The Mineral Resources Commissioner, Garba Yahaya, visited the scene shortly after the incident.
According to a statement from the Ministry spokesman, Dibie Maureen, the commissioner condemned illegal mining activities and described the violent clash as a threat to public safety.
This statement also reiterated that the government maintains a strict zero tolerance policy on illegal mining.