The Nigerian Army has handed over 18 suspected illegal miners arrested in Niger State to the NSCDC Mining Marshals for investigation and possible prosecution.
The suspects were arrested in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area, during a routine operation by soldiers of the 102 Guard Battalion, according to the reports.
Premium Times reported that the suspects were accused of operating without licences, permits or links to any registered mining company. Daily Post reported that the Army transferred the suspects and recovered exhibits to the Mining Marshals headquarters in Sauka, Abuja.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals said preliminary checks pointed to unlicensed mining activity. Items recovered from the site included motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines, communication devices and cash.
Daily Post put the cash recovered at N2,468,750, while Premium Times reported the amount as about N2.4 million.
The case comes as federal agencies continue to link illegal mining to revenue losses and security risks in several mineral-producing states.
Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post
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