The NSCDC Mining Marshals National Commander, ACC John Attah Onoja has commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and cooperation in the fight against illegal mining following the arrest and handover of 18 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
The suspects were apprehended by troops of the 102 Guard Battalion during a routine operation that uncovered unauthorised mining activities at Izom in Gurara Local Government Area of the state.
Following the arrest, the Nigerian Army handed over the suspects and exhibits recovered from the illegal mining site to the NSCDC Mining Marshals Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, for further investigation and prosecution.
Commending the development, National Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, described the inter-agency collaboration as exemplary, unprecedented and patriotic.
Attah said the Army’s swift intervention reinforced its 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 by the Mining Marshals, the suspects allegedly operated without licences, permits or affiliation with any registered mining company.
The investigators also established that the suspects could not provide evidence of lawful mineral titles or authorisation from relevant regulatory authorities.
Several items suspected to have been used in the illegal mining operation were recovered, including motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines, communication devices and cash totalling ₦2,468,750.
Attah reiterated the determination of the Mining Marshals to ensure that all persons involved in illegal mining activities are brought to justice.
He said the Corps, under the leadership of Commandant General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, would continue to deploy intelligence-driven enforcement measures against economic saboteurs operating within the nation’s mining sector.
The Mining Marshals commander further assured stakeholders in the solid minerals industry that the Corps remained committed to enforcing the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act and safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral wealth from illegal exploitation.
Also speaking, Abdul Ben of the Open Dialogue Initiative commended the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army for what he described as a professional operation.
He said the Army’s intervention had further strengthened ongoing efforts by security and regulatory agencies to curb illegal mining activities across the country.
The Mining Marshals Boss disclosed that investigations into the case had been concluded and the suspects were being processed for prosecution in accordance with relevant provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
