The Nigerian Army and the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have stepped up enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Federal Capital Territory, following a joint raid in Kuje Area Council.
The operation, according to authorities, targeted an illegal mining site where suspected operators were arrested and handed over for investigation and prosecution.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the Commander of Mining Marshals Operations and Assistant Commandant of Corps, Attah John Onoja.
He explained that the exercise was triggered after troops of the 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada, apprehended 15 suspected illegal miners during a separate operation.
“The operation followed the arrest and handover of 15 suspected illegal miners by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada, in what security officials described as part of ongoing efforts to curb economic sabotage and environmental destruction linked to illegal mining,” the statement read.
Onoja added that security agencies later carried out a joint investigative visit to the site to strengthen ongoing investigations and support prosecution efforts.
“A joint investigative visit was subsequently carried out to the site in line with standard procedures guiding the operations of the Mining Marshals, as authorities moved to strengthen investigations and ensure prosecution of suspects,” he stated.
Residents of the affected community had earlier raised alarm over environmental degradation, safety risks, and security concerns linked to unchecked mining activities in the area.
Onoja reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to sustained enforcement and stronger inter-agency collaboration in tackling illegal mining.
He noted that the leadership of the Corps continues to prioritise “Coordination, Collaboration and Cooperation” as guiding principles for effective security operations.
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He also stressed that the joint effort with the Nigerian Army highlights the importance of intelligence sharing in combating illegal resource exploitation.
According to him, following preliminary investigations, Mohammadu Sani and 14 others were charged to court.
“The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining networks and protect natural resources as well as host communities across the country,” he added.