Nigerian Army Arrests 18 Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger, Recovers ₦2.47m and Mining Equipment.

Nigerian Army Arrests 18 Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger, Recovers ₦2.47m and Mining Equipment.

The Nigerian Army has arrested 18 suspected illegal miners at an unauthorized mining site in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, in an operation that has renewed attention on efforts to curb illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.

The suspects were apprehended by troops of the 102 Guard Battalion during a routine operation in the area. According to reports, the soldiers uncovered mining activities allegedly being carried out without the required licences, permits or affiliation with a registered mining company.

Following the operation, the Army handed the suspects and recovered exhibits over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals at their headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, for further investigation and prosecution.

Among the items recovered were motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines and communication devices. Authorities also recovered ₦2,468,750 in cash believed to be connected to the mining operation.

The Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, commended the Nigerian Army for what he described as professional and effective inter agency cooperation. He said the operation demonstrated the military’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and supporting efforts to sanitize the mining sector.

Preliminary investigations by the Mining Marshals reportedly indicated that the suspects could not provide evidence of lawful mineral titles or authorisation from the relevant regulatory authorities. The Corps said investigations had been concluded and that the suspects were being processed for prosecution under applicable provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

The arrests come amid wider government efforts to tackle illegal mining, an activity authorities have repeatedly linked to environmental degradation, loss of government revenue and the unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral wealth. Niger State has previously witnessed several enforcement operations against unlicensed mining activities.

The latest operation also highlights the increasing role of security agencies in supporting Nigeria’s regulatory authorities in the solid minerals sector. While enforcement is essential, sustained action against illegal mining will also require stronger regulation, transparent licensing, environmental safeguards and attention to the economic conditions that drive informal mining communities.

For now, the 18 suspects remain subject to the legal process, and allegations against them have yet to be determined by a court.