The Niger State Police Command has arrested seven individuals over alleged involvement in illegal mining and vandalism at the Gurara Waterfalls in Gurara Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Minna by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun.
According to the police, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public assets and curb unlawful activities across the state.
“On March 22, at about 5:00 p.m., following a report of illegal mining and vandalism at Gurara Waterfalls, operatives carried out a sting operation within the facility and arrested seven suspects,” Abiodun said.
He explained that the suspects, aged between 27 and 40, were traced to Tsauni area of Gwagwalada in the FCT and Lambata in Niger State.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspects include water pump engines, carpets, shovels, diggers, pipes, and head pans used for mining activities.
“The exhibits recovered include two water pump engines, 14 carpets, six shovels, three diggers, two pipes, and seven head pans,” he added.
The police spokesman noted that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He also revealed that the command had earlier carried out a similar operation at the same location.
“On March 17, at about 4:00 p.m., eight suspects were arrested during a related raid, with several mining tools recovered,” Abiodun stated.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illegal mining and the destruction of public property.
“The fight against illegal mining and vandalism will be sustained,” he assured.
