The Niger State government has taken strong action against illegal mining, arresting 33 suspects in the Gbokuchi-Kotongba area of Paikoro Local Government.

This operation took place on February 17, 2025, and was led by Alhaji Yunusa Nahauni, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mineral Resources. The team also included officers from the State Sector Commandant/Men of Mining Marshall and the Forest Hunters Association.

The arrested miners were found working on a mining site that belonged to another company, without permission.

They had been operating illegally for more than ten years. During the raid, authorities seized a water pumping machine that was being used for illegal mining activities.

A local source revealed that the mining camp had been active for over a decade, with many miners working during odd hours, leading to suspicions of other illegal activities taking.