The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have commended the Nigerian Army for its cooperation in the fight against illegal mining following the arrest and handover of 18 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
The suspects were apprehended at an illegal mining site in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of the state, by troops of the 102 Guard Battalion during a routine operation.
The troops reportedly uncovered unauthorised mining activities at the site and arrested the suspects.
In line with established inter-agency protocols, the Army handed the suspects and exhibits recovered from the site over to the NSCDC Mining Marshals Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, for further investigation and prosecution.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, described the collaboration as exemplary, unprecedented and patriotic.
Attah said the operation demonstrated the military’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and supporting efforts to sanitise the mining sector.
He commended the Army for its continued cooperation with the Mining Marshals, stressing that sustained inter-agency collaboration was essential to tackling illegal mining and protecting the country’s mineral resources.
“The Nigerian Army has once again distinguished itself through professionalism, discipline and patriotism. The swift arrest of the suspects and their prompt handover to the Mining Marshals reflect a commendable commitment to the rule of law and the protection of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources,” he said.
According to the preliminary investigation conducted by the Mining Marshals, the suspects allegedly operated without licenses, permits or affiliations with any registered mining company. Investigators further established that no evidence of lawful mineral titles or authorization from relevant regulatory authorities was presented by the suspects.
The investigation also led to the recovery of several items believed to have been used in the illegal mining operation, including motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines, communication devices, and cash amounting to ₦2,468,750.
Attah reiterated the determination of the Mining Marshals to ensure that all individuals involved in illegal mining activities are brought to justice, stressing that the Corps under the leadership of Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi would continue to deploy intelligence-driven enforcement measures against economic saboteurs operating within the nation’s mining sector.
He further assured stakeholders in the solid minerals industry that the Mining Marshals remain resolute in enforcing the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act and safeguarding the nation’s mineral wealth from illegal exploitation.
