NSCDC commences operation flush out illegal miners

THE Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr Abdullahi Gana, has ordered the Corps’ operatives to flush out illegal miners across the country.

He has accordingly directed the head of units in charge of protecting mines and steel activities, to beef up security in various sites in order to stem the tide of illegal mining operation by criminal elements.

Commandant, Mines and Steel Department, who confirmed the development to the Nigerian Tribune, in Abuja, said a memorandum of understanding had been signed between the NSCDC and Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to this effect.

Gana, said there was the need to justify the confidence reposed on the Corps by Government in protecting the sector especially now that government was working hard to diversify the nation’s economy.

He said the activities of illegal miners miners  had become a menace with its attendant loss of revenue from taxes, loss of royalties, uncontrollable risks that the citizens were exposed to as a result of environmental degradation among, others.

The NSCDC boss, however, disclosed that some illegal mining suspects were arrested at different locations across the country while several others were handed over to the Corps by the Nigeria Army.

He added that, 20 had been successfully convicted and sentenced to various jail terms.

He regretted that efforts of the Corps at effectively tackling this menace were repeatedly hindered by the uncooperative attitude of some stakeholders whose actions and inactions had greatly supported the thriving of illegal miners’ activities in the country.