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The Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded six suspected illegal miners arrested during a midnight operation.
State Commandant, Comdt. Suberu Aniviye, speaking at the Command headquarters in Minna, said the suspects were apprehended around midnight after the Corps’ Mining Marshals received credible intelligence about illegal mining activities.
“Our team acted immediately and arrested six suspects at the site. We also seized nine motorcycles and various tools used for the unlawful operations,” Aniviye said.
Reaffirming the Corps’ determination to eradicate illegal mining in Niger State, he warned offenders to leave or face severe consequences.
“This is the final warning to illegal miners and those involved in unlawful activities. They must vacate Niger State, because wherever they operate, the Civil Defence Corps will track them down. We will not allow anyone to divert mineral resources meant for the state’s development,” he warned.
Aniviye also urged traditional rulers, political leaders, and community stakeholders to support the Corps by educating their people on the dangers of illegal mining.
He highlighted Governor Umaru Bago’s significant investment in infrastructure projects, including roads and social amenities, and stressed that such efforts must not be undermined by illegal activities.
Meanwhile, Danmalam Hafiz, representing the newly established Petroleum and Environmental Degradation Association, told journalists that the organisation, founded two weeks ago in Abuja, aims to support the NSCDC in tackling illegal mining and environmental issues.
“Our mission goes beyond stopping illegal mining—we are also focused on combating environmental degradation. We have representatives in all 36 states and every local government in Niger State, who will act as an intelligence network for the Civil Defence Corps,” Hafiz explained.
He added that the association plans to create its own task force to collaborate with the NSCDC’s Mining Marshals and will train members across all 25 local government areas of the state.
