Police Arrest 18 Suspected Illegal Miners In Zamfara, Recover Exhibits

The police authorities have arrested 18 suspected illegal miners at the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The arrest is a sequel to a presidential order banning illegal mining in the state.

The spokesman of the State Police Command, SP Shehu Muhammad, said the Anti-Illegal Mining Team, led by SP Murtala Bello, had embarked on rigorous raiding and dislodging of illegal miners in various locations across the state.

“The squad was able to within the stated time to date, raid major illegal mining sites at Kwali of Bukkuyum local government area, Daki Takwas under Gummi local government area, Zugu and Wawan Icce mining sites under Anka local government area of Zamfara State among others,” the statement issued by the police command partly read.

He said the team had actively been on operations since September 2020 when they raided numerous illegal mining sites at different locations in the state and succeeded in the arrest of many notorious illegal miners alongside formidable exhibits.

The police spokesman added, “The recent operations by the anti-illegal mining team was at ‘Yan Kaura mining site in Maru Local Government Area where villagers from different parts of the state converged and embarked on illegal mining activities.

“The assigned squad has mobilized and successfully dislodged the violators and 18 suspects were arrested.”

He warned that those who engage in illegal mining should desist from the acts, adding that troops would not relent to arrest anyone found guilty.