By Ahmed Attahir, Gusau
The Police Anti illegal mining squad in Zamfara State has succeeded in the arrest and prosecution of 18 illegal miners.
The police also recovered exhibit during the intensive raid.
A statement on Friday by the Zamfara State police command public relations officer, SP Mohammed Shehu said the arrest was sequel to Presidential order that banned illegal mining in Zamfara State.
The anti illegal mining team which was led by SP Murtala Bello was assigned by the force headquarters Abuja with a view to enforce the Presidential order on illegal mining and embarked on rigorous raiding and dislodging of illegal miners in various locations across the State.
According to the statement, the operations commenced since September, 2020 which led to raid of numerous illegal mining sites and succeeded in the arrest of many notorious illegal miners alongside exhibits.
Continuing; “the squad was able to within the stated time to date, raided 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 recent operations conducted 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 squad successfully dislodged the violators and 16 suspects were arrested. Discreet investigation was conducted after which all the suspects were charged to court and they are now in prison custody”.
