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.
The suspects were apprehended by troops of the 102 Guard Battalion during a routine operation after soldiers discovered alleged unauthorised mining activities at the location.
Following the arrests, the Army handed the suspects and recovered items over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals in Abuja for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspects were operating without the necessary licences, permits or affiliation with any registered mining company. Investigators also said the suspects could not provide evidence of lawful mineral titles or other authorisation for their activities.
Several items believed to have been used in the mining operation were recovered. They included motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines and communication devices.
Cash amounting to N2,468,750 was also recovered from the site.
The Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, commended the Nigerian Army for the operation and the prompt handover of the suspects.
Attah said the development demonstrated the importance of cooperation between security and regulatory agencies in tackling illegal mining and protecting Nigeria's mineral resources.
He stressed that the Mining Marshals would continue enforcement operations against individuals involved in unauthorised mining activities and other practices capable of depriving the country of revenue from its natural resources.
The operation comes amid increased efforts by government agencies to tackle illegal mining, which has been linked to environmental degradation, loss of government revenue and the unauthorised exploitation of Nigeria's mineral resources.
The arrested suspects are expected to face further investigation by the relevant authorities.
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Niger State, Nigerian Army, Illegal Mining, Illegal Miners, NSCDC, Mining Marshals, Nigeria News, Security News, Mineral Resources, Niger News, Latest News
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