NSCDC: Crackdown on illegal mining boosting government revenue, local economy

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says its clampdown on illegal mining has helped to safeguard the nation’s mineral resources while improving government revenue.

Ahmed Abubakar Audi, commandant general of the NSCDC, spoke on Thursday at a national stakeholders and civil society summit in Abuja.

Audi was represented at the event by Attah John Onoja, assistant commandant of the corps and commander of the Mining Marshals.

The summit, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, brought together senior government officials, security agencies, and civil society leaders to deliberate on terrorism, oil theft, violent extremism, illegal mining, and human rights violations.

Speaking on the theme: ‘The Role of Community Leaders and Civil Society Organisations in Tackling Illegal Mining in Nigeria’, Onoja said security agencies alone cannot win the fight without community intelligence and local buy-in.

“Under the leadership of the commandant general, Prof Audi, the Corps has recorded tremendous success in disrupting illegal mining operations across various states,” Onoja said.

“This has not only safeguarded Nigeria’s mineral resources but has also positively impacted government revenue and local economic development.”

The Mining Marshals, a unit created during Audi’s tenure, have carried out intelligence-led operations involving arrests, seizures, and prosecutions.

Onoja also called for greater collaboration across security institutions to address wider threats like banditry and terrorism.

“Security challenges require collective action and sustained policy implementation,” he said.

The summit ended with a consensus that Nigeria’s security institutions, including the NSCDC, should be further empowered to confront the array of crimes undermining economic stability and democratic governance.