The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has expressed its concern about the increasing problem of illegal mining activities in the country.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Muhammad Bello Mu’azu, confirmed that his operatives in Akko Local Government Area of the State have arrested three individuals suspected of being involved in illegal mining activities. These suspects were apprehended at a site in the Gamawa community in Akko LGA while operating without the required mining clearance approved by the Federal Government to combat illegal mining activities nationwide.
Mu’azu emphasized that illegal mining has adverse consequences, including environmental degradation, soil erosion, deforestation, water pollution, and various security challenges throughout the country.
The arrest by the NSCDC is a significant milestone in the fight against illegal mining activities in the state, sending a strong warning to illegal miners to cease their activities or face legal consequences.
According to Mu’azu, “My personnel raided the site based on a tip-off from concerned citizens. While the suspects claimed to be the site owners with a license, our investigation revealed that their approval was for Laterite sand, not coal mining.”
Muhammad Mu’azu stated that the Command has ordered the temporary suspension of mining activities at the site until proper clearance is obtained from the relevant authorities, ensuring compliance with mining laws and regulations set by the government.
The Gombe State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Sanusi Pindiga, suspended all mining activities across the state following the discovery of the illegal mining site by the NSCDC. He called on all miners to undergo screening and clearance by the Ministry.
Pindiga emphasised the importance of miners reporting to the appropriate authorities before engaging in mining activities. He stressed the need for miners to consider their activities’ environmental and social impact on local communities, farmlands, and lives.
The Commissioner warned that failure to comply with the Ministry’s directive could result in severe consequences and urged miners to cooperate to avoid negative consequences.
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