Authorities have launched investigations after a police officer was killed during a joint security operation against illegal mining in Niger State, an incident that has renewed concerns over the safety of personnel enforcing mining regulations.
In response, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said those responsible would be brought to justice, describing the officer’s death as tragic and unacceptable.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding security operatives deployed to sanitize the mining sector.
The officer was reportedly killed on Wednesday while taking part in a coordinated patrol involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local security operatives attached to the Anti-Drugs Control unit.
The patrol formed part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal mining and restore order in affected areas.
Despite the attack, Alake stressed that the government’s crackdown on illegal mining would continue, noting that the exercise is critical to curbing revenue losses, protecting host communities, and supporting legitimate mining operations.
He added that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing were ongoing.