NSCDC Commits to Combat Illegal Mining and Banditry

On Thursday in Abuja, Onoja, a representative of the NSCDC, committed to disrupting illegal mining and banditry during a courtesy visit from the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), led by President Mr. Odita Sunday. He stated that the Mining Marshals would rigorously enforce mining laws to restore order in a sector increasingly linked to security issues.

Onoja highlighted that illegal mining poses economic, environmental, and security threats, potentially funding criminal activities. He noted that disrupting these funds would weaken criminal operations.

The Mining Marshals have adopted intelligence-led operations for the identification, arrest, and prosecution of offenders, despite facing challenges such as inadequate resources and alleged collusion between some officials and illegal miners. He urged the media to support their efforts through responsible reporting and called for stronger collaboration between DECAN and the Mining Marshals to enhance public understanding of the dangers posed by illegal mining.