Nigerian state bans mining in the wake of kidnapping incidents
The federal government also suspects that some of the deadly kidnapping groups that are currently rampant in Nigeria may be receiving funds from mining profits.
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
The immediate halting of all mining operations has been mandated by the Niger State government in central Nigeria.
It occurs just days after militants carried out a deadly attack on a mining site, killing over 20 Nigerian security personnel and kidnapping at least four Chinese miners.
They are still being held captive.
The administration of Niger State is planning to examine mining sites throughout the state because it worries that some privately owned gold and other mines may house criminals.
The federal government also suspects that some of the deadly kidnapping groups that are currently rampant in Nigeria may be receiving funds from mining profits.
Nigeria is battling to stop a spate of ransom kidnappings by armed gangs, some of which have occasionally collaborated with Islamist militants.
Mining activities have been suspended in some areas in the past but the measure failed to end the kidnapping crisis.
