The Niger State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with illegal mining and vandalism at Gurara Waterfalls.
The arrests were made during an intelligence-led operation carried out by officers attached to the Gawu-Babangida Division within the waterfalls facility.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, the suspects were apprehended on 22 March 2026 at about 5:00 p.m. while allegedly engaging in illegal mining and vandalising the area.
The statement noted that the suspects include Sahabi Nasiru, Sanusi Dahiru, Nasiru Hamza, Dahiru Umar, Jamilu Dahiru, Nafiu Dahiru, all from Tsauni area of Gwagwalada, Abuja, and Mohammed Uzaifa of Lambata.
Items recovered from the suspects include two water pump engines, fourteen carpets, six shovels, three diggers, two pipes and seven head pans.
Police authorities disclosed that the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
The command also revealed that a similar operation conducted at the same location on 17 March 2026 led to the arrest of eight suspects, with the recovery of additional mining tools.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining operations against illegal mining and vandalism, noting that efforts to protect public assets across the state will continue.
