By Rasheeda Hamidu
The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested more than 300 suspected illegal miners and prosecuted over 150 others as part of efforts to curb illegal mining across Nigeria.
NSCDC spokesperson, ACC Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at a Joint Security News Briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser, according to reports from the briefing.
Afolabi said those arrested and prosecuted included Nigerian and foreign nationals involved in activities threatening the country’s mineral resources and economic security.
He said the Mining Marshals were established to support efforts to sanitise the mining sector, protect legitimate operators and prevent the criminal exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Afolabi said illegal mining posed risks beyond environmental degradation, as the illegal exploitation of minerals could also support organised crime and illicit financial activities.
He said the corps was combining enforcement, intelligence gathering and engagement with stakeholders to disrupt illegal mining networks and protect mining communities and legitimate operators.
The spokesperson also said personnel found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary action, citing the dismissal of two operatives and their recommendation for prosecution over the alleged illegal supply of firearms to illegal miners.
He said investigations had also cleared Mining Marshals Commander, ACC John Attah, and other management personnel of allegations linked to the death of an operative in Nasarawa and an alleged N2bn diversion.
Afolabi urged Nigerians to provide credible information on illegal mining activities, saying the NSCDC would continue efforts to protect the country’s mineral resources from exploitation and ensure they contribute to national development.
NatureNews reports that stronger enforcement against illegal mining is important not only for protecting Nigeria’s mineral wealth but also for reducing the environmental damage associated with unregulated extraction.
