The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has announced that 500 individuals have been arrested for illegal mining activities across the country, with 270 of them already facing prosecution.
Audi disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee on Illegal Mining. Represented by Assistant Commandant John Attah, Audi reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to working with the National Assembly to curb illegal mining operations and plug revenue leakages.
He explained that the NSCDC established the Mining Marshals Task Force specifically to combat illegal mining and ensure proper monitoring of the sector’s operations.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Adhoc Committee, Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem, emphasized the committee’s mandate to tackle revenue losses caused by illegal mining, which he described as a major threat to Nigeria’s economy, environment, and security.
“Illegal mining is a scourge that has caused massive revenue losses and promoted criminal activities that undermine national security,” Abdulraheem said. “Our mission is to block revenue leakages, promote transparency, and ensure that every naira from our natural resources is properly accounted for.”
He expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the confidence reposed in the committee, pledging to deliver results through strict oversight and enhanced revenue tracking mechanisms.
Abdulraheem also reiterated the committee’s commitment to eliminating illegal mining operations in line with its constitutional mandate.
Source:Africa Publicity
