Days after 37 alleged illegal miners died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), mining activities have resumed in full swing across several locations in Niger State. The deaths occurred on September 17, following NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16. An independent investigation committee has been constituted by the Federal Government to probe the circumstances and cause of the incident.
Despite the incident and the subsequent suspension of mining activities across the state, residents have reported that miners have continued to return to some locations. On September 26, excavated plots, open holes, and destroyed sections of fences were still visible around residential properties. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago had ordered the suspension of all mining activities across Niger State until further notice, following the deaths of the 37 detainees.
The persistence of mining activities comes amid a fresh government directive. On September 18, Governor Bago ordered the closure of mining activities at the Ema Ushishi site. Two days later, he called for an executive order from the Presidency or the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to ban mining in locations identified as problematic across the state. The government seeks stronger federal intervention to enforce mining regulations.
Miners have cited livelihood as the reason for their continued involvement in the activity. Some miners, including a 16-year-old identified as Musa, have stated that they have no alternative means of livelihood and will continue returning to the sites even after being arrested. Residents have also reported that some miners operating in the affected areas come from outside Niger State.
The mining activities have caused significant damage to properties, with residents bearing the financial burden of repairing excavations around their homes and other properties. A church owner reported spending substantial sums filling gullies created by mining around the building, estimating that he would need more than N1 million to fill the excavations around the fence and other parts of the property.
The mining problem in Niger State predates the September deaths. In May, reports indicated that illegal mining was contributing to wider social problems in parts of Minna, with residents identifying several areas affected by the activity. The police and NSCDC have carried out raids and arrested suspected illegal miners, but the problem persists.
The repeated arrests and enforcement operations have not stopped the activity in some affected communities. Property owners are left to deal with the damage caused by excavations around their properties, and residents are calling for a more effective solution to the problem. The cycle of arrests and returns to illegal mining continues, with authorities seeking a more lasting resolution.
Key points
- 37 deaths in NSCDC custody have not deterred miners from resuming activities in Niger State
- Miners cite livelihood as the reason for their continued involvement in the activity
- The mining problem in Niger State predates the September deaths, with reports of illegal mining contributing to social problems in parts of Minna as far back as May.
