Army apprehends 18 suspected illegal miners in Niger
The Nigerian Army has arrested 18 suspected illegal miners at a mining site in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The suspects were arrested by troops of the 102 Guard Battalion during a routine operation in the area, where the soldiers discovered unauthorised mining activities.
Following their arrest, the suspects and items recovered from the site were handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals in Abuja on Tuesday for further investigation and prosecution.
John Attah, commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, praised the army for its cooperation in tackling illegal mining activities.
Attah said the operation showed the military’s determination to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral resources and contribute to efforts to clean up the mining sector.
“The Nigerian Army has once again distinguished itself through professionalism, discipline and patriotism,” he said.
“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.”
According to him, initial investigations by the Mining Marshals showed that the suspects allegedly carried out mining activities without licences, permits or links to any registered mining company.
Attah said the suspects were unable to present documents showing that they possessed valid mineral titles or approval from the appropriate regulatory agencies.
The operation also led to the recovery of several items, including motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines, communication devices and N2,468,750 in cash.
Attah said the Mining Marshals would take steps to ensure that those responsible for illegal mining were prosecuted.
He added that the corps, under the leadership of Ahmed Audi, NSCDC commandant-general, would sustain the use of intelligence-led enforcement strategies to tackle illegal mining operations.
The commander further assured stakeholders in the solid minerals sector that the Mining Marshals would continue to enforce the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act and safeguard the nation’s mineral resources from illegal exploitation.
