The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to foreign nationals involved in funding banditry, stating that they will be prosecuted for economic sabotage and for waging war against the Nigerian state. This warning follows reports of 12 miners allegedly killed by bandits in the Ungwan-Magro community of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State.
Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, delivered this message through a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Thursday in Abuja. The minister expressed concern over preliminary reports suggesting that non-Nigerians involved in the mining business might be funding these criminal operations.
In response to the tragic incident in Niger State, the minister announced that mining operations in the affected area have been suspended until security agencies conclude their investigations. He also called on foreign embassies in Nigeria to monitor the activities of their nationals within the mining sector, warning that any criminal conduct could jeopardize diplomatic relations between Nigeria and other countries.
Dr. Alake condemned the attack and vowed that the deaths of the miners would not go unpunished. He assured that security agencies are actively pursuing the perpetrators and will bring them to justice. Furthermore, he emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the security of mining sites across the country, and will continue to combat the incursion of bandits and criminal elements seeking to exploit mineral-rich areas through violence.