Army, NSCDC raid illegal mining site, arrest 15 suspects in Abuja

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The Nigerian Army and the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have intensified their crackdown on illegal mining activities in the Federal Capital Territory with a joint operation at a site in Kuje Area Council.

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This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by the Commander of Mining Marshals Operations and Assistant Commandant of Corps, Attah John Onoja, on Sunday.

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He said, “The operation followed the arrest and handover of 15 suspected illegal miners by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada, in what security officials described as part of ongoing efforts to curb economic sabotage and environmental destruction linked to illegal mining.

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“A joint investigative visit was subsequently carried out to the site in line with standard procedures guiding the operations of the Mining Marshals, as authorities moved to strengthen investigations and ensure prosecution of suspects.”

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Residents of the area had earlier raised concerns over the environmental damage, security risks and safety threats posed by unchecked illegal mining activities in the community.

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Onoja, however, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcement and inter-agency collaboration.

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According to him, the NSCDC leadership continues to emphasise “Coordination, Collaboration and Cooperation” as key principles guiding effective security operations.

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He said the joint exercise with the Nigerian Army underscored the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation among security agencies in tackling illegal mining and related crimes.

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“Following the conclusion of preliminary investigations, Mohammadu Sani and 14 others were charged to court.

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“The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining networks and protect natural resources as well as host communities across the country,” he stated.

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