The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ebonyi State Command, has given illegal miners operating across the state a September deadline to regularise their activities or face arrest and prosecution.
The State Commandant, Commander Francis Nnadi, disclosed this on Friday while speaking with journalists at the command headquarters in Abakaliki. He said the command’s security interventions were yielding results, with several offenders arrested and prosecuted.
Nnadi said the NSCDC would intensify enforcement against unauthorised mining and other activities that threaten public safety and degrade the environment. He said the command was working with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to ensure mining activities comply with relevant laws and safety standards.
The commandant said the Corps was not opposed to legitimate mining because properly licensed operations could create jobs, generate revenue and support local economic development. He, however, warned that individuals or groups mining without the required licences and statutory approvals would be arrested and prosecuted.
Nnadi also expressed concern about abandoned mining sites and open pits. He warned that unreclaimed excavations could endanger residents and worsen erosion and environmental degradation. He said authorised miners must reclaim sites after exhausting viable mineral deposits.
The commandant disclosed that more than 1,000 residents had joined the “Civil Defence Community” initiative, which enables farmers, hunters and residents in remote communities to provide security information to the Corps. He said intelligence generated through the initiative had contributed to several arrests and that the platform would be expanded and digitised.
He also highlighted the “Operation Know Your Neighbour” initiative, which encourages residents, landlords and community leaders to identify people living within their neighbourhoods and report suspicious activities.
On election security, Nnadi said the command would begin a three-month in-house training programme for personnel towards the end of September. The training will focus on discipline, tactical competence, professionalism, operational coordination and compliance with rules of engagement.
He added that the NSCDC had expanded its Safe School Initiative across Ebonyi’s three senatorial zones and established a female special force and quick-response capacity.
Nnadi urged security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, civil society organisations, communities and the media to strengthen collaboration to improve public safety across Ebonyi State.
