In a renewed offensive against illegal mining and the growing threat it poses to communities and the nation’s economy, the Nigerian Army and the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have carried out a joint inspection of an illegal mining site in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The operation followed the arrest and handover of 15 suspected illegal miners by the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The joint investigative tour to the scene was conducted in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) guiding the operations of the Mining Marshals, as authorities intensified efforts to ensure diligent investigation and seamless prosecution of the suspects.

Residents of the community had earlier expressed concerns over the environmental degradation, insecurity and public safety risks associated with the activities of illegal miners operating unchecked within the area.

Speaking during the operation, the Commander of Mining Marshals Operations, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, reaffirmed the commitment of the corps to the principles of “Coordination, Collaboration and Cooperation” as critical pillars for effective security operations.

Onoja noted that the successful operation with the Nigerian Army demonstrated the strategic value of intelligence sharing and institutional partnership in combating illegal mining and related criminal activities.

At the conclusion of investigations, Mohammadu Sani and 14 others were formally charged to court accordingly.