The Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have intensified efforts against illegal mining activities in the Federal Capital Territory, arresting 15 suspected illegal miners during a joint operation in Kuje Area Council.
The development was disclosed on Sunday in Abuja by the Commander of Mining Marshals Operations and Assistant Commandant of Corps, Attah John Onoja.
According to Onoja, the suspects were initially arrested by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion in Gwagwalada before being handed over to the Mining Marshals for further investigation.
He explained that the operation formed part of ongoing measures to tackle economic sabotage, environmental degradation, and other security threats linked to illegal mining activities.
Onoja said a joint investigative visit was later carried out at the mining site in line with operational procedures guiding the activities of the Mining Marshals.
He noted that residents of the affected community had raised concerns over environmental damage and insecurity associated with unregulated mining operations in the area.
The NSCDC official reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with other security agencies in curbing illegal mining across the country, stressing that intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation remain key to successful operations.
He added that following preliminary investigations, one Mohammadu Sani and 14 others had been charged to court.
According to him, the operation is part of broader efforts by security agencies to dismantle illegal mining networks and protect the nation’s natural resources and host communities.