The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), under the strategic leadership of Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has officially broadened its mining sector enforcement operations. In a decisive move to intensify the fight against illegal mining across the country, the Corps has decentralized its approach and dispatched specially trained Mining Marshals across seven distinct operational zones in Nigeria. This significant announcement was conveyed by CSC Babawale Afolabi, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja, through an official statement. Afolabi emphasized that the initiative is designed to fortify enforcement measures within the solid minerals sector while significantly boosting the Corps’ presence across all regions of the country. “In alignment with this strategic initiative, the Corps has commissioned a fleet of ten (10) operational vehicles tailored for rough terrains and swift mobilization. These vehicles are equipped to facilitate surveillance, intelligence-driven patrols, and tactical enforcement operations aimed directly at disrupting illegal mining activities across Nigeria,” the statement detailed. During the official commissioning event held at the NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja, Professor Audi characterized the decentralization strategy as a bold and transformative operational reform. He asserted that the move is specifically designed to bring enforcement mechanisms closer to critical mining hotspots identified nationwide, thereby empowering regional response teams for enhanced operational efficiency. “By deploying Mining Marshals across all seven operational zones, we are elevating our capacity to decisively tackle illegal mining operations. These dedicated officers are not only trained but also well-equipped to engage in a manner that is both professional and lawful, ensuring the protection of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources from the grip of economic saboteurs,” said Professor Audi. The Commandant General further articulated that this strategic effort is in direct alignment with the Federal Government’s economic diversification policy. Additionally, it upholds the NSCDC’s statutory mandate to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, reflecting a robust commitment to safeguarding the country’s mineral wealth against exploitation by unauthorized operators.
