NSCDC Vows Crackdown on Illegal Miners, Steps up Enforcement in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Anambra State Command is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal mining activities across the state.

Commandant Maku Olatunde, the NSCDC state Commandant stated this in Awka during a meeting with the Miners Association of Nigeria in the State.

He noted a conspicuous discrepancy in the mining sector, where numerous companies were operating, but only a handful have obtained the necessary licenses.

The commander vowed to take decisive action against unlicensed miners, signaling a crackdown on illegal mining operations in the state.

“NSCDC as the lead agency responsible for safeguarding Critical National, State and Local Assets and Infrastructure, the Corps has intensified its surveillance and issued a stern warning to all unlicensed, artisanal, and illegal miners to obtain necessary licenses or cease operations immediately, as the NSCDC has stepped up comprehensive crackdown on non-compliant individuals.

“The issue of illegal mining is a complex one, causing notable financial losses for the government, devastating human and environmental consequences, widespread ecological damage, health risks, and loss of life, prompting the NSCDC to take proactive measures to address these challenges with renewed determination,” he stated.

Maku reassured the Miner’s Association that the command is ready to intervene and put an end to the alleged extortion of their members by some miscreants who operate around mining sites.

President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter, Mr. Onyekachi Damian, had earlier disclosed that the miners were seeking collaboration with the NSCDC in areas covering their operations.

He appealed to the NSCDC to help stop the alleged extortion of registered miners by some individuals, citing that harassment and extortion by certain actors, who shut down mining sites and impound equipment without legal grounds, have severely impacted their businesses.

Federal Mines Officer in charge of the state, Engineer Henry Bolarinwa emphasized that any interference by state governments, individuals, or groups in mining operations violates the Nigerian Constitution and the Nigerian Mineral and Mining Act of 2007, as both grant exclusive control of resources to the Federal Government.

He enjoined the miners to operate within the ambit of the Nigeria mineral and mining Act 2007 and its Regulation 2011.