The Zamfara State Police Command has taken into custody 21 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities following a security operation in Zurmi and Maradun Local Government Areas.
Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the arrests occurred on January 31, 2026, during a joint raid carried out by operatives of the Anti-Illegal Mining Unit, Tactical Unit and Bomb Disposal Unit, in collaboration with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and officials of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.
The enforcement exercise focused on Boko Village in Zurmi LGA and Kaya Village in Maradun LGA, locations that had been identified as hotspots for illegal mining.
Authorities confirmed that the operation was successful, resulting in the apprehension of 21 suspects allegedly involved in the illicit activities.
The suspects have been handed over to the Taskforce on Illegal Mining Unit for further investigation, while the police assured that additional information would be released as the case unfolds.
