The Nigerian Army has arrested 18 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
Troops of the 102 Guards Battalion made the arrests at a mining site in Izom. The site lies in the Gurara Local Government Area of the state.
The troops found the suspects during a routine operation in the area. They also discovered several items linked to mining activities.
The Army later handed the suspects over to the NSCDC Mining Marshals in Abuja. The handover took place at the Mining Marshals headquarters in Sauka.
The operation also led to the recovery of N2,468,750 in cash.
Security personnel recovered several mining and communication items from the site. These included motorcycles, pumping machines and crusher engines.
The troops also recovered communication devices from the suspects.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals said the suspects could not provide valid documents for their mining activities.
Officials said the suspects allegedly operated without the required licences or permits.
The Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, commended the Nigerian Army.
Attah praised the troops for their cooperation and professionalism during the operation.
He said the arrest would support efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The commander also stressed the need for stronger cooperation among security agencies. He said such cooperation could help reduce illegal mining across the country.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals have continued their investigation into the case.
Authorities are preparing the 18 suspects for prosecution under relevant sections of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
The agency also said it would intensify operations against illegal mining.
Illegal mining remains a major concern in Nigeria. The activity can damage the environment and reduce government revenue from the mining sector.
The latest operation in Niger State highlights the growing efforts by security agencies to stop unauthorised mining activities.
