Soldiers arrest ‘illegal miners’ in Niger

Soldiers of the 102 Guard Battalion, an elite unit of the Nigerian Army headquartered in Suleja, Niger State, have arrested 18 individuals described as “illegal miners” and recovered N2.4 million cash and operational tools.

The suspects were arrested in Izom, a satellite town in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, during a routine patrol operation, according to a statement posted on Facebook handle of the Mining Marshals, a special, anti-illegal mining unit of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The statement added that the soldiers handed over the suspects to the NSCDC special force unit in Sauka, Abuja.

The NSCDC alleged that the suspects “operated without licences, permits or affiliations with any registered mining company.”

It added that the suspects could not present any evidence of lawful mineral titles or authorisation from relevant regulatory authorities.

PREMIUM TIMES understands that mining operations in Nigeria are regulated by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other agencies under it.

The regulatory scope includes licensing, environmental compliance or protection and community development agreements (CDA) among others.

The Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) strictly controls licensing which covers exploration license (EL), small-scale mining lease (SSML), mining lease (ML), quarry lease (QL) and water use permit; while the Mines Environmental Compliance (MEC) focuses on environmental protection and CDA in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies.

Items recovered

The NSCDC said further investigation led to the recovery of several items “believed to have been used in the illegal mining operation.”

This, it said, included “motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines, communication devices, and cash amounting to N2,468,750.”

It explained that investigations have been concluded and the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

Commendation

The commander of the marshals, John Onoja, commended the soldiers and described the operation as inter-agency collaborative efforts which he said was “exemplary, unprecedented and patriotic.”

Mr Onoja, an assistant commandant of corps, said the operation and handing over reflect the military’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and supporting the campaigns to sanitize the mining sector.

“The Nigerian Army has once again distinguished itself through professionalism, discipline and patriotism,” he said.

“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.”

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Mr Onoja vowed that the marshals would continue to clamp down on illegal mining operations and ensure that all individuals involved are brought to justice.

He added that his unit, under the leadership of the NSCDC boss, Ahmed Audi, “would continue to deploy intelligence-driven enforcement measures against economic saboteurs operating within the nation’s mining sector.”

According to him, the marshals remain resolute in enforcing the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act and safeguarding the nation’s mineral wealth from illegal exploitation.