Army arrests 18 illegal miners, recovers N2.4m in Niger

Nigerian Army joins NSCDC in crackdown on illegal mining in Niger State, recovering N2.4m

The Nigerian Army has praised its cooperation with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) after 18 suspected illegal miners were arrested and 14 others rescued in Niger State. The suspects, apprehended by troops of the 102 Guard Battalion during a routine operation, were found to be operating without proper licenses or permits.

The Army handed over the suspects and recovered items, including motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines, and cash totaling N2,468,750, to the NSCDC Mining Marshals in Abuja. The collaboration aims to tackle illegal mining, which has raised concerns over revenue loss, environmental degradation, and the diversion of Nigeria's mineral resources.

NSCDC's Commander, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, commended the Army's swift action, describing it as exemplary, unprecedented, and patriotic. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects did not possess lawful mineral titles or authorization from regulatory authorities. The Mining Marshals assured stakeholders of their commitment to enforcing the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act and protecting Nigeria's mineral wealth from illegal exploitation.