Mining Marshals Hails Army for Arrest, Handover of 18 Suspected Illegal Miners
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have commended the Nigerian Army for its cooperation in the fight against illegal mining following the arrest and handover of 18 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
The suspects were arrested by troops of the 102 Guards Battalion during a routine operation at an unauthorised mining site in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of the state.
Following the arrest, the Army handed over the suspects and items recovered from the site to the NSCDC Mining Marshals Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, in line with established inter-agency procedures 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 collaboration as exemplary and patriotic, saying it demonstrated the commitment of security agencies to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Attah commended the Nigerian Army for what he described as its professionalism, discipline and commitment to the rule of law.
“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.
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Preliminary investigations by the Mining Marshals indicated that the suspects allegedly operated without licences, permits or affiliation with any registered mining company.
Investigators also said the suspects could not provide evidence of valid mineral titles or authorisation from the relevant regulatory authorities.
Several items allegedly used for the illegal mining operation were recovered from the site. They included 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 individuals involved in illegal mining activities were brought to justice.
He said the Corps, under the leadership of its Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, would continue to deploy intelligence-driven enforcement measures against economic saboteurs operating in the mining sector.
The commander further assured stakeholders in the solid minerals industry that the Mining Marshals would continue to enforce the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act and protect the country’s mineral resources from illegal exploitation.
Also commenting on the development, Abdul Ben of the Open Dialogue Initiative commended the Nigerian Army for what he described as a professional operation.
He said the intervention had further strengthened ongoing efforts by security and regulatory agencies to curb illegal mining across the country.
The Mining Marshals disclosed that investigations into the case had been concluded and that the suspects were being processed for prosecution in accordance with relevant provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
By PRNigeria
