The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 17 individuals and seized several vehicles in a targeted operation against illegal mining activities in Kogi State.
The operation, conducted by the NSCDC Mining Marshals, took place in the Odiagbo-Okaba area of Ankpa Local Government Area and led to the impoundment of three trucks and 39 motorcycles allegedly used in illicit mining.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, May 28, by NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale, the crackdown was prompted by growing complaints from residents about environmental degradation and health hazards linked to illegal mining in the region.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals initiative is a joint task force established by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Ministry of Interior. It aims to enforce mining laws, dismantle unlawful operations, and protect Nigeria’s mineral resources from exploitation.
The statement confirmed that Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah led the latest operation in Kogi, which the NSCDC described as part of a broader effort to address economic sabotage and safeguard national assets.
NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to confronting illegal mining operations across the country. He said the corps would continue to pursue individuals and networks profiting from unauthorised exploitation of critical national resources.
“The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, has continued to reiterate the readiness of the NSCDC to take the battle to all the criminal elements that are fattening on the critical national assets of the country,” the statement read.
The corps said the crackdown represents a significant step in its strategy to enforce compliance with mining regulations and respond to community concerns over the impact of illegal activities on local ecosystems and public health.
