By Palma Ileye
In continuation of their avowed quest and readiness to rid the mining sector of the criminal elements, the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has made another giant stride with the dismantling of a major illegal mining syndicate operating in the Odiagbo-Okaba District of Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
It will be recalled that the NSCDC Mining Marshals is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Ministry of Interior through the NSCDC with a mandate to enforce mining laws and regulations, combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.
In a statement signed by CSC Afolabi Babawale, the Corps Spokesperson, the recent crackdown in Kogi led by ACC John Onoja Attah resulted in the arrest of 17 suspects.
NSCDC stated that three truck were impounded and 39 motor bikes using for the illicit business were also confiscated.
The raid according to the statement, was as a result of complaints from local residents over environmental degradation and public health threats allegedly linked to the illegal and unregulated mining activities.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi has continued to reiterate the readiness of the NSCDC to take the battle to all the criminal elements that were feeding fat on the critical national assets of the country.
The recent massive clear out of the illegal miners was also coming on the heels of the Kogi State Government’s push for cleaner mining sector and the need to preserve fragile ecosystem and protect host communities.
