By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have praised the Nigerian Army for its sustained cooperation and inter-agency collaboration in the fight against illegal mining, following the arrest and handover of 18 suspected illegal miners apprehended at an unauthorized mining site in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

The suspects were arrested by troops of the 102 Guards Battalion during a routine security operation that uncovered illegal mining activities in the area. In line with established inter-agency procedures, the Nigerian Army subsequently transferred the suspects and exhibits recovered from the site to the Headquarters of the NSCDC Mining Marshals in Sauka, Abuja, for further investigation and prosecution.

Reacting to the development, the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah Onoja, described the collaboration between the military and the Corps as exemplary, patriotic and a strong demonstration of national commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources.

According to Onoja, the action further reinforces the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation’s solid minerals sector and supporting ongoing efforts to sanitise the mining industry. He noted that effective collaboration among security agencies remains critical to curbing illegal mining and other economic crimes that undermine national development.

“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 stated.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the Mining Marshals revealed that the suspects allegedly operated without valid licences, permits or affiliations with any registered mining company. Investigators also established that none of the suspects could provide evidence of lawful mineral titles or authorisation from the relevant regulatory authorities.

The investigation further 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.

Onoja reiterated the determination of the Mining Marshals to ensure that all individuals involved in illegal mining activities are brought to justice. He stressed that the Corps, under the leadership of Commandant General Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, would continue to deploy intelligence-driven enforcement strategies to dismantle illegal mining networks and protect the nation’s economic interests.

He also assured stakeholders in the solid minerals sector that the Mining Marshals remain resolute in enforcing the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, while safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral wealth from illegal exploitation and environmental degradation.

Adding his voice, Abdul Ben of the Open Dialogue Initiative commended the Nigerian Army Headquarters for what he described as a highly professional operation. He noted that the military’s intervention has further strengthened ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb illegal mining and promote accountability within the extractive sector.

The Mining Marshals disclosed that investigations into the case have been concluded and that the suspects are currently being processed for prosecution in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007. The Corps further reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the Armed Forces and other relevant agencies to ensure that illegal mining activities are decisively tackled across the country.