Nineteen suspects held after deadly attack at Niger mining site
Nineteen suspected illegal miners have been arrested following a violent attack on a joint security patrol in Zuzungi Kataeregi village, Niger State. The incident led to the death of a police officer, the theft of his rifle, and the burning of a patrol vehicle. Wasiu Abiodun, spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the arrests and recovery of the stolen rifle. Siyaka Aniviye of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps condemned the attack and highlighted the ongoing efforts to protect mining sites.
What we know
- Nineteen suspected illegal miners were arrested after an attack on a joint security patrol at a mining site in Zuzungi Kataeregi village, Niger State.
- A police officer was killed, his rifle stolen, and another officer injured during the ambush.
- The attackers set fire to a patrol vehicle belonging to the security team.
- Wasiu Abiodun and Siyaka Aniviye confirmed the incident and emphasized the legal backing for security operations at mining sites.
- The Federal Government, through Dele Alake, pledged to intensify efforts against illegal mining and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.
