The Nigerian Army and the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have intensified their operations against illegal mining in Abuja following the arrest and charging of 15 suspects in Kuje Area Council.
Joint operation targets illegal mining site
In a renewed offensive against illegal mining and the growing threat it poses to communities and the nation's economy, both security agencies conducted a joint inspection of an illegal mining site in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The operation came after the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, based in Gwagwalada, Abuja, arrested and handed over 15 suspected illegal miners. Security observers described this as another bold demonstration of inter-agency synergy in tackling economic sabotage.
Standard procedure followed
The joint investigative tour to the scene of the alleged crime was carried out in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that guides the operations of the Mining Marshals. Authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure a diligent investigation and seamless prosecution of the suspects.
Community concerns
Residents of the community had earlier expressed concerns over environmental degradation, insecurity, and public safety risks associated with the unchecked activities of illegal miners in the area.
Commitment to the 3Cs
Speaking during the operation, the Commander of Mining Marshals Operations, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, reaffirmed the corps' commitment to the principles of the "3Cs" championed by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR. According to Onoja, the NSCDC helmsman consistently emphasizes "Coordination, Collaboration and Cooperation" as critical pillars for effective security operations and sustainable national security management in Nigeria.
Intelligence sharing and partnership
Onoja noted that the successful operation with the Nigerian Army further demonstrated the strategic value of intelligence sharing and institutional partnership in combating illegal mining and related criminal activities across the country.
Suspects charged to court
At the conclusion of investigations, Mohammadu Sani and 14 others were formally charged to court accordingly.
Restoring sanity in the mining sector
The latest operation underscores the determination of the Mining Marshals and allied security agencies to restore sanity within Nigeria's mining sector and dismantle illegal mining networks that threaten the nation's resources and local communities.
