THE Niger State Government has ordered the temporary closure of a mining site in Zuzungi, Kataeregi, located in Katcha Local Government Area, following a deadly attack that left a security officer dead and a patrol vehicle destroyed.
The decision was announced in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Mr. Idris Legbo, who strongly condemned the violence, describing it as criminal and unacceptable.
According to the government, the incident represented a direct assault on lawful mining operations and constituted an attack on governmental authority.
Legbo confirmed that a security officer lost his life during the attack, while a joint patrol vehicle deployed to maintain order at the site was set ablaze.
He said preliminary investigations suggest the violence stemmed from tensions between illegal mineral dealers and security personnel operating in the area.
“The incident is deeply regrettable and unacceptable. It is a criminal act that will not be tolerated,” the statement said.
The Permanent Secretary noted that security agencies had been deployed to the site to enforce compliance with mining regulations and curb illegal activities when the confrontation escalated.
Reports indicate that the conflict followed the interception of mining materials from suspected illegal operators at the site.
According to information gathered, the dealers allegedly purchased minerals directly from artisanal miners, bypassing the licensed company legally authorised to operate at the site. The minerals were then reportedly resold to unregistered entities, depriving the licensed operator of due economic benefits.
Authorities said the illegal trade in minerals has been a persistent challenge, undermining government revenue, disrupting lawful operations and fueling insecurity in mining communities.
Legbo emphasized that the Zuzungi Kataeregi mining site was duly licensed and fully compliant with all statutory approvals and regulatory requirements.
He stressed that the government would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt legitimate mining activities or challenge established legal frameworks governing mineral exploration and extraction in the state.
“The mining site is legally recognised and operates in accordance with all necessary regulations. Any attempt to undermine lawful operations will be met with decisive action,” he stated.
The state government said the temporary closure of the site is intended to restore order, prevent further loss of life and property, and allow security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Officials assured residents and stakeholders that additional security measures would be implemented to safeguard lives and ensure that mining activities resume under safe and lawful conditions.
The government also reiterated its commitment to tackling illegal mining and mineral trafficking, warning that individuals or groups found culpable in the attack would face the full weight of the law.