NSCDC Declares Illegal Mining a Major Security Threat

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has identified illegal mining as a major security threat, requiring urgent and coordinated responses. Attah Onoja, speaking on behalf of NSCDC Commandant General AHM Audi during a visit to the UNODC office in Abuja, stated that illegal mining has escalated from an economic offense to a serious national security challenge.

He called for stronger international collaboration to tackle this menace. The NSCDC has established a specialized unit, the Mine Marshal Corps, to protect Nigeria's mineral resources and enforce mining laws.

This unit is responsible for intelligence gathering, field operations, and legal services. The NSCDC is also collaborating with the UNODC and the Canadian government to enhance operational and investigative capacities against crimes related to illegal mining.

A training program is set to begin in November 2025, focusing on terrorism financing investigations. The NSCDC has intensified intelligence gathering and surveillance in illegal mining hotspots across Nigeria's northwest and north-central regions.