The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals raided several illegal mining and sand dredging sites in Akwa Ibom, resulting in the arrest of six individuals involved in these activities.
The illegal mining operations have caused significant revenue loss for the Federal Government, severe environmental degradation, and posed serious health risks to local communities.
The operation, code-named Operation Hayakin Kogo, is part of the NSCDC’s nationwide effort to combat illegal mining, enforce compliance with mining regulations, and protect the country’s mining sites from unlawful encroachments.
Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, expressed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding critical national assets, particularly within the solid minerals sector, which plays a vital role in Nigeria’s economic development.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring that our mining sites are protected from illegal activities that undermine our national interest,” Audi stated.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACC) Attah John Onoja, issued a stern warning to those involved in illegal mining, stressing that such activities would not be tolerated.
“Those engaged in illegal mining should desist immediately or face the full weight of the law,” Onoja said. “We urge individuals who wish to operate legally to approach the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Mining Cadastre Office to ensure proper regularization of their operations.”
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