The Nigerian military has said it arrested 11 suspected illegal miners in Kadauri area in Zamfara. 

This part of its security operations in the region.

According to a statement by military spokesman Major General John Eneche said; “…following credible intelligence on activities of illegal miners at Kadauri general area in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops swiftly mobilized to the scene and apprehended 11 suspected illegal miners,” 

The statement added that the suspects were handed over to the relevant prosecuting authority for further action.

Illegal mining is rampant in Nigeria’s northwest region with authorities blaming it for widespread violence. Thousands of people have been killed in the region in recent years and large parts of the region are inaccessible.

The military had been deployed to resolve the insecurity but the conflict has continued to rage on.

According to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, the country has lost billions of dollars over the years because of illegal mining.

Earlier this year, the Nigerian government introduced changes to mining regulation in an attempt to earn more revenue and create jobs.