The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says its Mining Marshals have arrested 671 suspected illegal miners in multiple locations across Nigeria. The NSCDC reports that 397 of the suspects have already been charged and are before the Federal High Court. The corps presents the arrests as part of a broader federal crackdown on illegal mining aimed at improving enforcement and securing government revenue from the sector.
According to the NSCDC, the operation includes follow-up actions that have led to convictions in some cases, indicating that prosecutions are ongoing beyond the initial arrests. The NSCDC also links illegal mining to harm to the economy, alleging sabotage-like effects and describing the crackdown as an intensified response to illegal activities.
While details on specific states, mine sites, or the nationalities of suspects are not provided in the reports reviewed, both outlets agree on the core figures and process: 671 arrests, 397 charged in court, and continued prosecution efforts by NSCDC Mining Marshals.
