Army, Mining Marshals Arrest 15 Illegal Miners in Abuja
The Nigerian Army and the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have intensified efforts against illegal mining activities with a joint inspection of an illegal mining site in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The operation followed the arrest of 15 suspected illegal miners by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada, Abuja, who subsequently handed the suspects over to the Mining Marshals for further investigation and prosecution.
Security officials described the development as a strong demonstration of inter-agency collaboration aimed at combating economic sabotage and criminal activities linked to illegal mining across the country.
The joint inspection of the mining site was conducted in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guiding the operations of the Mining Marshals, as authorities moved to ensure thorough investigation and seamless prosecution of the suspects.
Residents of the affected community had reportedly raised concerns over the environmental degradation, insecurity and safety risks posed by the activities of illegal miners operating in the area.
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Speaking during the operation, the Commander of Mining Marshals Operations, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to strengthening collaborative security operations.
Onoja said the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, consistently advocates the principles of “Coordination, Collaboration and Cooperation” as essential pillars for effective security management and national stability.
According to him, the successful joint operation with the Nigerian Army highlighted the importance of intelligence sharing and institutional partnership in tackling illegal mining and related crimes nationwide.
He added that the operation reflected the resolve of security agencies to restore order within Nigeria’s mining sector and dismantle networks involved in illegal exploitation of mineral resources.
At the conclusion of investigations, one of the suspects, identified as Mohammadu Sani, alongside 14 others, was formally charged to court.
The latest crackdown signals renewed determination by the Mining Marshals and other security agencies to curb illegal mining activities threatening communities, the environment and the nation’s economy.
By PRNigeria
