The Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have launched another coordinated operation against illegal mining activities in the Federal Capital Territory, leading to the arrest of 15 suspects at a mining location in Kuje Area Council.

Details of the operation were made public on Sunday in Abuja through a statement issued by the Commander of Mining Marshals Operations and Assistant Commandant of Corps, Attah John Onoja.

According to Onoja, troops of the 176 Guards Battalion in Gwagwalada initially apprehended the suspects before transferring them to the Mining Marshals for further investigation.

“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.

“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.”

Residents in the affected community had reportedly expressed growing worries over the environmental degradation and security concerns associated with unregulated mining activities in the area.

Onoja reiterated the determination of the NSCDC to sustain strict enforcement measures and deepen cooperation with other security agencies in combating illegal mining operations across the country.

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He explained that the leadership of the corps remains committed to the principles of “Coordination, Collaboration and Cooperation” in carrying out security operations effectively.

The NSCDC official added that the latest joint mission with the Nigerian Army demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency partnerships in addressing illegal mining and related criminal activities.

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

“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.