After 18 suspected illegal miners were arrested and turned over at a mining site in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps Mining Marshals on Wednesday praised the Nigerian Army for its cooperation in the fight against illegal mining.
During a routine investigation in the area, soldiers from the 102 Guard Battalion discovered suspected illegal mining activity, which led to the suspects’ detention.
In accordance with established inter-agency procedures, the Army turned over the suspects and evidence discovered from the site to the NSCDC Mining Marshals headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, after the arrests.
The partnership coincides with increased efforts by security and regulatory bodies to combat illicit mining, which has sparked worries about the diversion of Nigeria’s mineral riches, environmental damage, and loss of government revenue.
Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, responded to the news in a statement, calling the Army’s action “exemplary, unprecedented, and patriotic.”
According to Attah, the development strengthened the military’s resolve to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral resources and assist initiatives to clean up the mining industry.
“The Nigerian Army has once again distinguished itself through professionalism, discipline, and patriotism,” he declared. The suspects’ rapid apprehension and transfer to the Mining Marshals demonstrate an admirable dedication to upholding the law and safeguarding Nigeria’s abundant mining wealth.
The accused allegedly worked without licenses, permissions, or involvement with any registered mining enterprise, according to preliminary investigations conducted by the Mining Marshals.
The accused were unable to produce proof of valid mineral titles or authorization from the appropriate regulatory bodies, according to the investigators.
From the site, a number of items that may have been used in the illicit mining operation were found. They included N2,468,750 worth of motorcycles, pumping machinery, crusher engines, communication gadgets, and cash.
Attah reaffirmed the Mining Marshals’ commitment to prosecuting those engaged in illicit mining.
He went on to say that the Corps, led by its Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, would keep using intelligence-driven enforcement tactics against what he called “economic saboteurs” working in the mining industry.
Additionally, the commander gave solid minerals industry stakeholders assurances that the Mining Marshals would continue to uphold the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act’s requirements and safeguard the country’s mineral endowment from illicit exploitation.
Speaking as well, Abdul Ben of the Open Dialog Initiative commended the Nigerian Army for what he called a competent operation, claiming that the military’s intervention has reinforced continuing efforts to stop illegal mining around the nation.
The accused were being processed for prosecution in compliance with the pertinent provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, according to the Mining Marshals, who stated that investigations had been completed.
