The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals have reacted to the handover of 18 suspected illegal miners by the Nigerian Army.
Recall that the Nigerian Army, during a routine operation, apprehended the suspects in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
In line with established inter-agency protocols, the Nigerian Army subsequently transferred the suspects and exhibits recovered from the site to the NSCDC Mining Marshals Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, for further investigation and prosecution.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah, described the efforts by the Nigerian Army as exemplary, unprecedented and patriotic.
Attah said the action reinforces the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and supporting campaigns to sanitise the mining sector.
” 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,” he said.
He added that preliminary investigations conducted by the Mining Marshals showed that the suspects allegedly operated without licences, permits or affiliations with any registered mining company.
DAILY POST reports that the investigation also led to the recovery of several items believed to have been used in the illegal mining operation, including motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines, communication devices and cash amounting to N2,468,750.
NSCDC Mining Marshals react as Army hands over 18 suspected illegal miners