Abuja: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has identified 460 illegal mining sites and apprehended 387 individuals over a period of 14 months.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Attah Onoja, the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, shared these details in an interview in Abuja. He noted that out of the 460 sites discovered, 99 have been reclaimed, and 146 individuals have been prosecuted.
The commander highlighted that legitimate mineral title holders have regained control of these sites, allowing for lawful mining activities that generate revenue for the federal government. Onoja revealed that 25 percent of the arrested individuals are foreign nationals, emphasizing that legal proceedings occur irrespective of nationality when guilt is established.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals have executed 28 ‘clearance operations’ in areas threatened by armed bandits and other security risks. Onoja explained that these operations are conducted with precision to avoid casualties on either side. The strategy involves thorough intelligence and surveillance to decide the appropriate operational approach. Illegal mining sites are identified through intelligence, surveillance, and sometimes from grievances by displaced miners.
Onoja further described the challenges faced during operations in remote areas, often requiring extended travel by motorcycle. The inauguration of the marshals by Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, and Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, has notably enhanced Nigeria’s mining sector.
He credited the success in safeguarding mining sites, communities, and reducing environmental damage to the leadership of Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC Commandant-General.
