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

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals praised the Nigerian Army for its support in fighting illegal mining. This follows the arrest and handover of 18 suspected illegal miners caught at a mining site in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Troops from the 102 Guard Battalion made the arrests during a routine operation. They found illegal mining activities in the area.

After the arrests, the Army handed over the suspects and items seized from the site to the NSCDC Mining Marshals headquarters in Sauka, Abuja. This was done according to established inter-agency protocols.

This cooperation comes as security and regulatory agencies ramp up efforts to combat illegal mining. There are growing concerns about lost government revenue, environmental damage, and the mismanagement of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

In a statement, the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, called the Army’s actions exemplary and patriotic. He said this showed the military's commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and improving 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."

Initial investigations by the Mining Marshals showed that the suspects operated without licenses, permits, or any ties to registered mining companies. The suspects also failed to provide proof of lawful mineral titles or authorization from the relevant regulatory bodies.

Several tools believed to be used for illegal mining were recovered from the site. These included motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines, communication devices, and cash amounting to N2,468,750.

Attah emphasized the Mining Marshals' resolve to ensure that those involved in illegal mining face justice. He added that under the leadership of Commandant-General Prof Ahmed Audi, the Corps would keep using intelligence-driven enforcement against what he called economic saboteurs in the mining sector.

The commander also reassured stakeholders in the solid minerals industry that the Mining Marshals are dedicated to enforcing the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. They are committed to guarding the nation's mineral wealth against illegal exploitation.

Abdul Ben from the Open Dialogue Initiative also commended the Nigerian Army for what he termed a professional operation. He said the military's intervention has boosted ongoing efforts to fight illegal mining nationwide.

The Mining Marshals confirmed that investigations have wrapped up and the suspects are being processed for prosecution under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.