The federal government has placed a ban on mining activities in the Unguwar Magro Village, Niger State where 12 miners were murdered by bandits recently pending the completion of investigation.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this in a statement on his official X handle following reports of non-Nigerians funding mining operations in Nigeria and concerns about 12 miners allegedly killed by bandits in Niger State’s Shiroro Local Government Area.
Alake urged embassies to monitor their nationals’ activities in the sector, as criminal conduct could harm bilateral relations.
Additionally, he stated that mining operations in the area have been suspended to identify those responsible for the crime.
The minister condemned the attack, vowing to avenge the miners’ deaths and stating that security agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators to bring them to justice.
He noted that preliminary reports suggested that non-Nigerians were funding these operations, and it was stated that anyone involved would face prosecution for economic sabotage and waging war against Nigeria.
He assured that efforts are ongoing to secure mining sites nationwide and emphasized the determination of security agencies to combat the incursion of bandits and criminal elements who seek to take control of mineral-rich areas through violence for illegal mining activities.
