The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have scaled up their enforcement operations nationwide to tackle economic sabotage and unauthorized mineral extraction. This offensive is designed to sanitise the solid minerals sector and block avenues for financial leakage.
Addressing the ongoing clampdown, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, disclosed that the nationwide operations would proceed continuously without any fixed schedule. He reiterated the agency's commitment to ensuring that all mineral exploration within the country strictly complies with extant legal frameworks.
What led to the latest enforcement operation in Nasarawa State?
The most recent operation took place in Nasarawa State, executed in partnership with the Federal Mines Officer and regional regulatory personnel. Commander Onoja explained that the joint mission was initiated to enforce total compliance with established statutory provisions, operational protocols, and safety standards within the mining sector.
He noted that these intensified efforts directly align with the directives of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, aimed at eradicating illicit mining syndicates.
Are mining operators required to possess specific documentation?
Onoja issued a stern warning that every operator must secure valid licences and satisfy all mandatory regulatory and operational prerequisites prior to commencing any extraction activities. The Corps maintained that individuals or corporate bodies found flouting these directives would face the full weight of the law.