Abia State commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Usman Alfadarai, has said the command will not compromise on the corps’ mandate to eradicate illegal mining in the country.
Alfadarai made the vow when 10 suspected illegal miners were paraded before newsmen at the command’s headquarters in Umuahia, the state capital, describing their activities as serious economic sabotage to the country.
“Let me say this: This is a strong message to illegal miners and their sponsors in the state that it’s no longer business as usual no matter how highly placed, they are in the society,” he empathised.
“Beyond the sabotage aspect, the adverse effects of their activities on the environment even raise greater concerns. So, we’re poised to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to checkmate the unwholesome practices,” he added.
He said the arrests, which were made at different mining sites in the capital, complied with the directives of the commandant general of the corps, Ahmed Audi “to end illegal mining across the country”.
Also, he noted that recently, the command profiled mining sites in the state to identify those approved by the government and details of the licenced miners to enforce compliance with best global best practices at the sites.
Alfadarai, who advised stakeholders in the sector to operate with valid licence and at approved sites, underscored the need “to block this channel of revenue loss to the government and environmental hazard”.
He added that the suspects, who were arrested with their implements, sample of the mined items, and a Mercedes Benz truck with reg. no, AAH 631XA, will be arraigned at the completion of investigations into the matter.
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