Army hands over 18 suspected illegal miners and cash to NSCDC in Niger
Three to four sentences:
The Nigerian Army has arrested 18 suspected illegal miners at a mining site in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. The suspects, along with recovered items including over N2.4 million in cash, were handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals in Abuja. John Onoja Attah, Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, commended the Army’s professionalism and commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources. The Mining Marshals stated that investigations have been concluded and the suspects are being processed for prosecution.
What happened
- Troops of the 102 Guard Battalion apprehended 18 individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities.
- Items recovered from the site included motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines, communication devices, and N2,468,750 in cash.
- The Army handed over the suspects and exhibits to the NSCDC Mining Marshals headquarters in Sauka, Abuja.
- John Onoja Attah praised the Army’s swift action and emphasized the commitment to enforcing mining regulations.
- The Mining Marshals confirmed that the suspects operated without proper licences or permits and are being processed for prosecution.
