The Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested six suspected illegal miners during a midnight raid in Minna. The operation, carried out by the Mining Marshals of the Corps, also led to the seizure of nine motorcycles and several mining tools.
Speaking at the Command headquarters, the State Commandant, Comdt. Suberu Aniviye, confirms that the arrests were made around midnight after credible intelligence revealed illegal mining activities in the area.
“Our officers acted swiftly and arrested six suspects on site,” Aniviye says. “We also recovered nine motorcycles and other equipment used for illegal mining operations.”
Aniviye warns those engaging in illegal mining to vacate Niger State or face prosecution, emphasizing that the Corps will not relent in protecting the nation’s mineral assets. “This is a final warning,” he stresses. “Illegal miners must leave Niger State. The Civil Defence Corps will pursue and stop them wherever they operate in Nigeria.”
He calls on traditional rulers, community leaders, and political stakeholders to partner with the NSCDC by sensitizing residents against illegal mining. The Commandant also praises Governor Umaru Bago for his ongoing investments in infrastructure and social amenities, urging that such efforts must not be undermined by criminal activities.
In a related development, Danmalam Hafiz, a representative of the Petroleum and Environmental Degradation Association, commends the NSCDC’s efforts. He says the association—recently launched in Abuja—aims to work closely with the Corps to combat illegal mining and other environmental challenges across the country.
“Our focus is to fight both illegal mining and environmental degradation,” Hafiz explains. “We already have representatives in all 36 states and every local government in Niger State. They will act as an intelligence network supporting the Civil Defence Corps.”
According to Mediaplusng.com, Hafiz adds that the association is planning to create its own task force and train members across Niger State’s 25 local governments to strengthen collaboration with NSCDC’s Mining Marshals.
