NSCDC Reads Riot Act Against Illegal Mining, Deploys Special Task Force Nationwide
In a decisive push to stamp out illegal mining and safeguard Nigeria’s mineral wealth, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched a nationwide deployment of specially trained Mining Marshals across seven operational zones. The initiative marks a significant escalation in the Corps’ efforts to secure the solid minerals sector and confront economic sabotage head-on.
At a high-profile commissioning ceremony held at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, unveiled ten rugged operational vehicles to support the new units in their field operations. Designed for rapid response and patrols in tough terrains, the vehicles will enhance surveillance and intelligence-led enforcement activities against illegal mining.
Professor Audi described the move as “a bold operational reform” aimed at decentralizing enforcement, boosting regional presence, and making response teams more effective in tackling illegal mining at identified hotspots.
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“With the deployment of Mining Marshals to all seven zones, we are scaling up our capacity to confront illegal mining operations head-on. These officers have been equipped and trained to engage professionally and lawfully in protecting our solid mineral assets from economic saboteurs,” he said.
The initiative is in line with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy and preserve national resources. It also reinforces the Corps’ mandate to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.
The NSCDC is calling for cooperation from host communities, licensed miners, and regulatory bodies to support the operations of the Mining Marshals and report any suspicious mining activity to the nearest NSCDC command.
Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment, Audi emphasized that NSCDC will not relent in promoting lawful mining, preserving the environment, and securing Nigeria’s mineral future.
The deployment signals a new era in Nigeria’s fight against illegal mining, which has drained the economy and devastated ecosystems in various parts of the country.
By PRNigeria
