Army Arrests 18 Illegal Mining Suspects, Recovers N2.47m in Niger

The Nigerian Army has arrested 18 suspected illegal miners during an operation at a mining site in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, and recovered cash and equipment believed to be connected to unauthorised mining activities.

The suspects were arrested by troops of the 102 Guard Battalion during a routine operation in the area.

The soldiers reportedly discovered that mining activities were being carried out without the required licences and approvals.

After the arrests, the Army handed the suspects and recovered items to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals at its headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, for further investigation and prosecution.

The NSCDC Mining Marshals praised the Army for its cooperation in the ongoing campaign against illegal mining, which authorities say contributes to revenue losses, environmental degradation and the unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, described the operation as a demonstration of professionalism and patriotism by the Nigerian Army.

Attah said the prompt arrest and handover of the suspects showed the military’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s solid mineral resources and supporting efforts to clean up the mining sector.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects allegedly operated without valid licences, permits or affiliation with any registered mining company.

They were reportedly unable to provide documents proving that they had legal rights to mine at the location.

Security officials recovered several items allegedly used in the operation, including motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines and communication devices.
Cash totalling N2,468,750 was also recovered.

Attah reaffirmed the determination of the Mining Marshals to bring individuals involved in illegal mining before the courts.

He said the Corps would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations to identify and stop illegal mining activities, particularly those capable of causing economic and environmental damage.

The commander further assured legitimate stakeholders in the mining industry that the Mining Marshals would continue to enforce the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act and protect the country’s mineral resources from unlawful exploitation.

Abdul Ben of the Open Dialogue Initiative also commended the Army for the operation, saying the intervention would strengthen collaboration among security and regulatory agencies in the fight against illegal mining.

The Mining Marshals said investigations into the case had been concluded and that the suspects were being processed for prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

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