The body of a 26-year-old Samson Emmanuel has been identified as police officer killed by illegal miners at Zuzungi near Kataeregi in the Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to reports, Emmanuel was from Chanchaga area of Minna, the state capital.
Ambush on Joint Patrol at Mining Site Kills Officer Amid NSCDC, Police
The incident occurred during an ambush on a joint patrol with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the local Anti-Drugs Control (ADC) outfit around a mining site last week.
The patrol reportedly intercepted some individuals engaged in illegal mining while attempting to smuggle minerals from the site.
“A police officer was killed in the process and his rifle taken, while other officers were injured during the incident.
The illegal miners includes some of the Chinese nationals,” a policeman said.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC confirmed the attack.
He described the situation as “criminal, barbaric, and a direct assault on constituted authority and Nigeria’s economic stability”.
However the situation comes a few days after a bill was presented by five Republican lawmakers to the US Congress on illegal mining in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s 2026 Religious Freedom Act Tackles Security Threats to Liberty
The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 represents a bold legislative push to address intertwined threats to national security and religious liberty.
Sponsored by U.S. Congressman John Moolenaar, the bill specifically links illegal mining operations by Chinese entities in Nigeria to the funding of terrorist activities.
Highlighting how unchecked resource extraction fuels extremism and undermines community stability.
By imposing sanctions on foreign actors involved in these illicit practices, the proposed act aims to promote accountability and protect religious freedoms in affected regions.
It underscores growing concerns over China’s role in Nigeria’s mining sector.
US Congressman Sponsors Bill Linking Chinese Illegal Mining in Nigeria to Terrorism Funding
Sponsored by U.S. Congressman, the bill specifically links illegal mining operations by Chinese entities in Nigeria to the funding of terrorist activities.
Highlighting how unchecked resource extraction fuels extremism and undermines community stability.
By imposing sanctions on foreign actors involved in these illicit practices.
The proposed act aims to promote accountability and protect religious freedoms in affected regions.
It underscores growing concerns over China’s role in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Billions in Unreported Gold Smuggling Fuel Boko Haram, Demands Global Action
According to the lawmakers, the bill is seeking to address what they identified as an ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.
They argued that Chinese nationals involved in “illegal mining” operations are paying terrorists for protection.
