In a renewed effort to combat illegal mining and its growing threat to national security and economic stability, the Nigerian Army and the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have conducted a joint inspection of an illegal mining site in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The operation followed the arrest and handover of 15 suspected illegal miners by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Gwagwalada, Abuja. Security analysts described the development as a strong demonstration of inter agency collaboration in the ongoing fight against economic sabotage and illegal exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.

The joint investigative visit to the mining site was carried out in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure guiding the operations of the Mining Marshals, as authorities intensified efforts to ensure a thorough investigation and successful prosecution of the suspects. Residents of the area had earlier raised concerns over environmental degradation, rising insecurity, and threats to public safety linked to the activities of illegal miners operating within the community.

Speaking during the operation, the Commander of Mining Marshals Operations, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to the “3Cs” policy of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, which emphasises Coordination, Collaboration and Cooperation as critical pillars of effective security management.

According to Onoja, the successful collaboration with the Nigerian Army further highlights the importance of intelligence sharing and institutional partnership in tackling illegal mining and other organised criminal activities across the country. He stressed that such joint operations remain vital to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and restoring order within the mining sector.

At the conclusion of investigations, Mohammed Sani and 14 others were formally charged to court in connection with the alleged illegal mining activities.

The latest operation underscores the determination of the Mining Marshals and other security agencies to dismantle illegal mining networks and restore sanity to Nigeria’s mining industry while safeguarding host communities from the dangers associated with unlawful mining operations.