News
FG Deploys Eight Gun Trucks to Strengthen Crackdown on Illegal Mining
FG Deploys Eight Gun Trucks to Strengthen Crackdown on Illegal Mining
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has inaugurated eight operational gun trucks for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals as part of efforts to intensify the fight against illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.
The vehicles were unveiled alongside a commemorative publication titled “The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service by the Mining Marshals,” which chronicles the unit’s achievements over the past two years.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the Minister of Solid Minerals. Dele Alake assured the Mining Marshals of continued government support, pledging that additional technological equipment and armored vehicles would be provided once budgetary allocations are secured.
Alake commended the performance of the specialized NSCDC unit, disclosing that the Mining Marshals have arrested more than 300 illegal miners, prosecuted over 150 suspects, and secured several convictions involving both Nigerian and foreign offenders since their establishment two years ago.
According to the minister, the unit has played a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s mineral wealth and supporting efforts to diversify the economy through increased revenue generation from the solid minerals sector.
He also warned that individuals and groups seeking to undermine government efforts against illegal mining would face the full weight of the law, describing them as saboteurs working against national interests.
Representing, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, noting that it has strengthened the protection of Nigeria’s mineral assets. He pledged continued support through enhanced training, funding, and operational capacity for the Mining Marshals.ppp

In his remarks, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, represented by Deputy Commandant General Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, described the ministry’s support as unprecedented. He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and assured that the newly commissioned gun trucks would be deployed effectively in ongoing operations.
The National Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Attah Onoja, expressed appreciation to both ministries for the logistics support, saying it would significantly enhance the unit’s operational efficiency.
Onoja urged Nigerians to support the campaign against illegal mining, emphasizing that unauthorized exploitation of mineral resources amounts to the theft of national wealth. He also called for continued cooperation among security agencies to strengthen enforcement efforts across the mining sector.
The commissioning of the gun trucks marks another step in the Federal Government’s strategy to curb illegal mining activities, improve security in mining communities, and maximize the economic benefits of Nigeria’s vast solid mineral resources.
FG Deploys Eight Gun Trucks to Strengthen Crackdown on Illegal Mining
News
Troops Rescue Farmer Shot by Suspected Armed Herders in Plateau, Recover Abandoned Cattle
Troops Rescue Farmer Shot by Suspected Armed Herders in Plateau, Recover Abandoned Cattle
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have rescued a farmer who was shot by suspected armed herders during an attack in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 4:20 p.m. on June 29 around Jebbu Miango community, where the assailants attacked a farmer identified as Mr. Lambat.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to a distress call and engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee the area before they could inflict further harm.
During the intervention, the troops rescued the victim, who had sustained gunshot wounds, and evacuated him to ENOS Hospital in Miango for urgent medical treatment.
The troops also recovered a herd of cattle abandoned by the fleeing suspects. The animals were moved to a secure location pending identification of their rightful owners and further necessary action by the relevant authorities.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks in the area.
Troops Rescue Farmer Shot by Suspected Armed Herders in Plateau, Recover Abandoned Cattle
News
Missing Man Found Dead at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
Missing Man Found Dead at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
The corpse of a man earlier reported missing has been recovered at an illegal mining site in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), responded to a report at about 7:30 a.m. on June 29 that one Mr. Jerry had gone missing from the Rantya area.
The sources said the troops, in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), launched a search-and-rescue operation in the surrounding bushes.
During the operation, the search team discovered the victim’s corpse at a mining site. The body bore gunshot wounds as well as machete cuts.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased had left home for illegal mining activities but failed to return, prompting concerns from relatives and the subsequent search operation.
Security sources said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.
Missing Man Found Dead at Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
News
Military Delivers Decisive Air Strike on Bandit Enclave Along Niger–Kaduna–Zamfara Border
Military Delivers Decisive Air Strike on Bandit Enclave Along Niger–Kaduna–Zamfara Border
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian military, in continuation of its sustained air campaign against armed bandits and other criminal elements threatening national security, has recorded another significant operational success with a precision air strike targeting a major gathering of bandits at Dogon Dawa, along the strategic Niger–Kaduna–Zamfara border.
Credible operational sources confirmed that the strike was executed after intelligence indicated that a large number of armed bandits had converged at the location to coordinate and plan a series of attacks against nearby communities.
The precision engagement effectively struck the gathering, resulting in the neutralisation of a substantial number of the terrorists. Intelligence obtained following the operation also indicated that more than hundreds of motorcycles, believed to have been assembled for the planned offensive and mobility of the criminal elements, were present at the target area at the time of the strike.
Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) and follow-up intelligence further revealed that several surviving terrorists, many of them wounded, fled in disarray towards the forests between Shadadi and Ma’undu through the Mangwaro axis, abandoning their coordinated plans as the devastating effects of the air strike disrupted their operations.
The successful mission illustrated the effectiveness in employing intelligence-driven precision air power to deny criminal groups freedom of movement, disrupt their command structures, and degrade their operational capabilities before attacks can be launched against innocent civilians.
This operation also reflects the seamless synergy between intelligence agencies and the Air Component in identifying, tracking, and engaging high-value terrorist and bandit targets with remarkable precision while sustaining pressure on criminal networks across the North-West and North-Central theatres.
Military Delivers Decisive Air Strike on Bandit Enclave Along Niger–Kaduna–Zamfara Border
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