By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have commended the Nigerian Army fo...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have commended the Nigerian Army for its synergy and cooperation in the fight against illegal mining, following the arrest and handover of 18 suspected illegal miners apprehended at an illegal 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 operation that uncovered unauthorised mining activities in the area. In line with established inter-agency protocols, the Nigerian Army subsequently transferred the suspects and exhibits recovered from the site to the NSCDC Mining Marshals Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, for further investigation and prosecution.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, described the collaborative efforts as exemplary, unprecedented, and patriotic.
Attah said the action reinforced the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and supporting efforts to sanitise the mining sector.
«“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 said.»
According to preliminary investigations conducted by the Mining Marshals, the suspects allegedly operated without licences, permits, or affiliations with any registered mining company. Investigators further established that the suspects did not present evidence of lawful mineral titles or authorisation from the relevant regulatory authorities.
The investigation also 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.
Attah 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 Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, would continue to deploy intelligence-driven enforcement measures against economic saboteurs operating within the nation’s mining sector.
He further assured stakeholders in the solid minerals industry that the Mining Marshals remained resolute in enforcing the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act and safeguarding the nation’s mineral wealth from illegal exploitation.
Also speaking, Abdul Ben of the Open Dialogue Initiative praised the Nigerian Army Headquarters for what he described as a professional operation, noting that the military’s intervention had further strengthened ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining activities across the country.
The Mining Marshals disclosed that investigations had been concluded and that the suspects were being processed for prosecution in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
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