The Nigerian Army and the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have intensified efforts against illegal mining with a joint inspection of an illegal mining site in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
The operation followed the arrest of 15 suspected illegal miners by the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Gwagwalada, Abuja, before handing them over to the Mining Marshals for further investigation.
Authorities say the inspection was carried out in line with the Standard Operating Procedure guiding Mining Marshals operations, as security agencies move to ensure proper investigation and prosecution of suspects involved in illegal mining activities.
Residents of the area had earlier raised concerns over environmental degradation, insecurity and safety risks linked to illegal mining operations within the community.
Speaking during the operation, Commander of Mining Marshals Operations, Assistant Commandant of Corps Attah John Onoja, said the collaboration reflects the commitment of the NSCDC to stronger inter-agency cooperation in tackling economic sabotage.
He noted that the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has continued to emphasise coordination, collaboration and cooperation as key pillars for effective security operations across the country.
Onoja added that intelligence sharing and institutional partnership remain crucial in combating illegal mining and other related crimes nationwide.
At the end of investigations, one Mohammadu Sani and 14 others were charged to court.
