In a recent announcement, the Nigerian Armed Forces have reported the apprehension of a significant 387 individuals involved in unlawful mining operations between January and July 2024. The revelation was delivered by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Taoreed Lagbaja during an investigative hearing into the activities of illegal miners.
General Lagbaja revealed that the Nigerian Army has been executing expansive operations across all geopolitical zones of the nation. He emphasized the pivotal role of the Army in providing support to agencies responsible for safeguarding the country’s critical national infrastructure, including mining. The detained individuals were transferred to relevant agencies for further legal action, such as the Department of State Security Services, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The Chief of Army Staff presented comprehensive statistics of the apprehensions, disclosing that a notable number of illegal miners were captured in various states such as Abia, Ebonyi, Federal Capital Territory, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, and Zamfara. He also expressed concern about the persistence of illicit mining in Zamfara, notwithstanding the prohibition imposed on such activities in the state.
Furthermore, General Lagbaja underscored the connection between illegal mining and insecurity, highlighting the involvement of host communities and the necessity for a collaborative effort to combat this unlawful practice. He also pointed out the misuse of exploration licenses for unauthorized mining activities and reiterated the Army’s dedication to supporting constitutionally mandated agencies in the battle against illegal mining.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, attributed the prevalence of unlawful mining to weak regulations in the sector and emphasized the importance of strengthening existing regulatory frameworks. General Musa emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to tackle the issue, including imposing a temporary suspension on mining activities for a year and enhancing border security to dissuade foreign involvement in illegal mining.
Moreover, he highlighted the correlation between illegal mining and insecurity, suggesting that the presence of illicit mining activities contributes to the proliferation of insecurity in affected regions. General Musa also underscored the need for government support, proper equipping of agencies involved in curbing mining activities, and punitive measures for those engaged in illegal mining.
In summary, both military leaders emphasized the imperative of strengthening regulatory frameworks, empowering enforcement agencies, and engaging the international community to address the challenges posed by illegal mining. The crackdown on illegal mining activities underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the country’s natural resources and infrastructure.