- Safiu Kehinde
The Niger state government has ordered temporary closure of the Zuzungi Kataeregi mining site in Katcha Local Government Area following a deadly attack which led to the death of a security officer.
This is contained in a statement on Friday by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mineral Resources, Mr Idris Legbo.
While condemning the attack, Legbo further described the incident as criminal and unacceptable.
He added that the attack destroyed a joint patrol vehicle and constituted a direct assault on lawful mining operations and governmental authority.
Preliminary reports indicate the violence arose from tensions between illegal mineral dealers and security personnel operating at the site.
Legbo emphasised that the mining site was duly licensed, legally recognised, and fully compliant with all statutory approvals and regulations.
According to reports, the conflict followed security agents intercepting mining materials from illegal operators at the site.
The dealers allegedly purchased minerals directly from artisanal miners, depriving the licensed company of benefits and reselling to unregistered entities.