The Niger State Police Command has arrested seven suspects for illegal mining and vandalizing government property at the renowned Gurara Waterfalls.
The operation was conducted by police operatives from Gawu-Babangida Division as part of ongoing efforts to protect public property and prevent environmental degradation.
The suspects, aged between 25 and 40, include Sahabi Nasiru (30), Sanusi Dahiru (27), Nasiru Hamza (30), Dahiru Umar (25), Jamilu Dahiru (27), Nafiu Dahiru (30)—all from Tsauni Area, Gwagwalada, Abuja—and Mohammed Uzaifa (40) of Lambata.
The arrests were made on 22 March 2026 around 5:00 p.m., when the suspects were caught in the act of illegal mining and vandalizing the waterfalls area.
Recovered items included two water pump engines, fourteen carpets, six shovels, three diggers, two pipes, and seven head pans. All suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, noted that a similar raid on 17 March 2026 had led to the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of additional mining equipment.
The command reiterated that police operations will continue as part of sustained efforts to combat illegal mining and safeguard government property in Niger State.
