The Nigerian Army has arrested 18 suspected illegal miners at a site in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, and recovered cash and equipment.

The suspects were later handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals.

Troops of the 102 Guard Battalion made the arrests during a routine operation after discovering unauthorised mining activities in the area. The Army transferred the suspects and the recovered items to the Mining Marshals headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, in line with inter-agency protocols.

Preliminary investigations by the Mining Marshals showed that the suspects allegedly operated without licences, permits or any link to a registered mining company. They could not provide evidence of lawful mineral titles or authorisation from the relevant authorities.

Items recovered from the site included motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines, communication devices and cash amounting to N2,468,750.

The Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, described the Army’s action as professional and patriotic.

Attah said the collaboration reinforces efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and sanitise the mining sector. The Mining Marshals have concluded investigations and are processing the suspects for prosecution under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper