The Nigerian Army has arrested 18 suspected illegal miners during an operation in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, recovering cash and equipment allegedly linked to unauthorised mining activities.
The suspects were apprehended by troops of the 102 Guard Battalion during a routine operation in the area after the soldiers discovered an active mining site believed to be operating without the required government approvals.
Following the arrests, the Army handed the suspects and items recovered from the site over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals for further investigation and prosecution.
The development was disclosed by the Mining Marshals, who commended the Army for its cooperation in the ongoing campaign against illegal mining and the unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.
According to the Mining Marshals, the handover took place at the unit’s headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, in accordance with established inter-agency procedures.
The operation is part of growing efforts by security agencies and regulatory authorities to confront illegal mining across the country. Unregulated mining has remained a major concern because of its potential impact on Government revenue, the environment and the sustainable management of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps, John Onoja Attah, described the Army’s intervention as a significant demonstration of professionalism and commitment to protecting the country’s mineral wealth.
Attah praised the troops for acting promptly after discovering the suspected illegal mining operation and for ensuring that the suspects were transferred to the appropriate agency rather than being released.
He said the Army’s action demonstrated the importance of cooperation among security agencies in addressing activities capable of undermining the country’s economy.
The Commander stated that the Mining Marshals would continue to work with other security formations to identify and disrupt illegal mining operations across Nigeria.
Preliminary findings by investigators indicated that the suspects allegedly lacked the licences, permits and other statutory approvals required to engage in mining activities.
The suspects were also reportedly unable to produce evidence showing that they were operating under a registered mining company or possessed valid mineral titles issued by the relevant authorities.
Several items believed to have been used at the mining location were recovered by the troops.
The recovered exhibits reportedly included motorcycles, pumping machines, crusher engines and communication devices. Cash totalling ₦2,468,750 was also recovered during the operation.
The discovery of the cash and equipment is expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators as they determine the extent of the alleged illegal mining activities and the roles played by the arrested individuals.
The Mining Marshals said the suspects would face prosecution if investigations establish that they violated the relevant provisions of Nigeria’s mining laws.
Attah reiterated the determination of the NSCDC Mining Marshals to pursue individuals and groups allegedly involved in the illegal exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
He said the agency would continue to adopt intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration as part of efforts to sanitise the mining sector.
The Commander further stressed that the protection of Nigeria’s mineral resources was not solely the responsibility of regulatory agencies, noting that security agencies had an important role to play in preventing criminal networks from exploiting the country’s natural wealth.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals operate as a specialised enforcement arm focused on tackling illegal mining and supporting the protection of Nigeria’s solid minerals. The unit has intensified operations against suspected illegal miners in different parts of the country.
Recent enforcement actions have also shown increasing cooperation between security agencies and the Mining Marshals. In August 2026, the NSCDC said it had cleared Attah of allegations connected with an alleged ₦2 billion diversion and a purported cover-up surrounding the death of a Mining Marshals operative, while disciplinary measures were taken against personnel found guilty of misconduct.
The renewed attention on illegal mining comes as authorities seek to increase the contribution of the solid minerals sector to Nigeria’s economy.
Illegal mining can deprive governments of royalties and other legitimate revenues while also creating environmental problems, particularly where mining activities are conducted without proper environmental safeguards.
Mining sites operated outside regulatory oversight may also pose risks to nearby communities, roads, waterways and agricultural land, depending on the nature and scale of the operations.
Izom, where the latest arrests were made, is located in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. The area has previously been associated with concerns over unauthorised mining activities. In May 2024, five suspected illegal miners were arrested at Izom Bridge along the Minna-Suleja Road after authorities raised concerns about mining activities affecting the surrounding land and the stability of the bridge.
The latest operation therefore adds to ongoing enforcement efforts in the area and reflects the authorities’ continued attention to mining activities around Izom.
Beyond the immediate arrests, the recovery of equipment and cash is expected to assist investigators in determining whether the suspects were operating independently or as part of a larger network.
Also reacting to the Army’s intervention, Abdul Ben of the Open Dialogue Initiative commended the military for what he described as a professional operation.
Ben said the intervention would further strengthen efforts to curb illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s natural resources.
The Mining Marshals maintained that enforcement would continue against operators who fail to obtain the necessary approvals before engaging in mining.
The agency also urged legitimate stakeholders in the solid minerals industry to comply with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and other relevant regulations governing mining operations in the country.
For the 18 suspects arrested in Izom, the next stage will be prosecution after the completion of the necessary legal and investigative procedures.
The NSCDC said the case was already being processed in line with the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
The arrests ultimately underline the growing emphasis on joint security operations as the Federal Government and its agencies intensify efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources from unlawful exploitation.
With the Army handing the suspects and recovered exhibits to the Mining Marshals, authorities are expected to use the investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the mining operation and determine the appropriate charges against those involved.