The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of at least 22 individuals following a violent confrontation between suspected illegal miners and residents of the M.I. Wushishi Estate area of Minna. 

The clash, which took place earlier this month, left several people injured and caused panic among residents of the community.

According to the Police Commissioner, the confrontation erupted when a group of illegal miners attempted to forcibly enter the estate to carry out unauthorized mining activities. Residents, alarmed by the recurring intrusion, resisted their entry, leading to a violent exchange that quickly escalated. 

Security operatives from the command’s tactical support teams and counter-terrorism unit were swiftly deployed to the area to restore order.

The intervention led to the arrest of 22 suspects, while weapons, ammunition, and a vehicle were recovered at the scene. 

The Police Commissioner assured the public that calm has been restored to the area, and security patrols have been intensified to prevent further disturbances. 

He also clarified that the incident was not related to banditry but stemmed from ongoing encroachment by illegal mining groups operating without approval.

This is not the first time the estate has experienced such unrest. A similar confrontation occurred in September 2024, when another group of miners attempted to gain access to the area. That incident resulted in the death of one intruder, with multiple properties damaged during the melee.

 Residents have continued to express concern over what they describe as persistent threats from illegal miners who, in many cases, operate with impunity in residential zones.

In response to the broader issue, the Niger State Government has been cracking down on illegal mining activities across Minna and its environs.

 In June, state authorities raided several illegal sites where they discovered women and underage children involved in unsafe mining operations. The raids also exposed significant environmental degradation caused by unregulated excavation and unauthorized activities.

 Equipment used in the operations was seized, and several offenders were dispersed from the sites.

Despite these efforts, illegal mining continues to pose serious security and environmental risks in parts of Niger State. The government has pledged to work with security agencies to reinforce law enforcement, prosecute offenders, and regulate mining activities in accordance with existing laws.

Residents of the M.I. Wushishi Estate have urged the state and federal governments to intervene more decisively, fearing that continued clashes may lead to greater loss of life or property. They called for the fencing of estate boundaries, installation of surveillance cameras, and regular joint patrols to deter intruders.

As investigations continue, the police have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property while calling on members of the public to report suspicious activities in their communities.