Army arrests 18 illegal miners, recovers N2.4m in Niger

The Nigerian Army has demonstrated strong inter-agency cooperation by handing over 18 suspected illegal miners to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals. The handover, which took place in Abuja, followed the apprehension of the suspects during a routine operation by troops of the 102 Guard Battalion in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, lauded the Army's action as "exemplary, unprecedented and patriotic." He emphasized that this collaboration reinforces the military's commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's mineral resources and sanitizing the mining sector. Attah stated, "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."

Preliminary investigations by the NSCDC revealed that the suspects were allegedly engaged in unauthorized mining activities without possessing the required licenses, permits, or affiliation with any registered mining company. They could not provide any evidence of lawful mineral titles or authorization from relevant regulatory bodies. This lack of proper documentation underscores the illicit nature of their operations.

During the operation, several items believed to be used for illegal mining were recovered from the site. These included motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines, communication devices, and a significant amount of cash totaling N2,468,750. The recovery of these items and the apprehension of the suspects are part of intensified efforts by security agencies to combat illegal mining, which poses threats of government revenue loss, environmental degradation, and resource diversion.

Attah reiterated the NSCDC Mining Marshals' determination to bring all individuals involved in illegal mining to justice. He assured stakeholders that the Corps, under the leadership of Commandant-General Prof Ahmed Audi, would continue to employ intelligence-driven enforcement measures against those he described as "economic saboteurs" operating within the mining sector.

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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.