Niger Commissioner orders arrest of 4 Chinese over suspected illegal mining in Lapai

The Niger State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Hon. (Alhaji) Muhammad Qasim Danjuma, has ordered the arrest of four Chinese nationals over allegations of illegal mining activities at Maiya’aki Village, in Lapai Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner gave the order on Thursday, September 3, 2026, following an on-the-spot inspection of the mining site after reports that the Chinese nationals were operating without the knowledge or authorization of the Niger State Government.

The development followed a report brought to the attention of the Emir of Lapai, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umar Bago Tafida III, concerning the mining activities in the area.

Acting on the Emir’s directive, the District Head of Abugi, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha, popularly known as Chiroma Lapa, and his entourage visited the site on Tuesday, September 1, to ascertain the identities of the operators and determine the authority under which they were conducting the mining activities.

The delegation subsequently informed the Commissioner that the operation was not known to the state government, prompting him to visit the site for further investigation.

During the inspection, Danjuma questioned the Chinese nationals over their authorization to operate in the area and demanded to see the relevant licences, permits and other documents authorizing the mining activities.

However, the operators reportedly failed to produce satisfactory and verifiable documentation establishing their authority to conduct mining operations in the state.

Consequently, the Commissioner ordered the arrest of four of the Chinese nationals and directed that they should be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and necessary action.

He also ordered that other persons at the site remain there while the mining equipment and other properties were secured pending the outcome of the investigation.

The inspection, according to the ministry, forms part of the Niger State Government’s efforts to monitor mining activities across the state and prevent unauthorized exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.

Meanwhile The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all mining operators comply with relevant laws, regulations and licensing requirements before engaging in mining activities within the state.