As part of its statutory mandate to safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has presented a significant operational scorecard, highlighting major achievements in the mining sector.

According to the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Corps has successfully dismantled more than 1,000 illegal mining sites across the country. This operation, he said, has played a pivotal role in increasing government revenue from royalty payments in the solid minerals sector from ₦6 billion to ₦38 billion.

Dr. Audi made this known while delivering a keynote address during the second edition of the Commandant General’s Quarterly Conference held in Abuja. The conference brought together top-tier management of the Corps, including Deputy Commandant Generals, Assistant Commandant Generals, and State Commandants.

As part of reforms to enhance effectiveness, the Commandant General announced the decentralisation of mining operations from the national level to zonal commands. He also commissioned 10 new operational vehicles to bolster field activities in the fight against illegal mining.

The CG charged the six zonal commanders to collaborate closely with the National Mining Marshal to ensure the protection of licensed miners and secure operational areas. He directed them to apprehend, investigate, and prosecute individuals engaged in unlawful mining activities, insisting that Nigeria must not become a haven for illegal miners.

In addition to mining security, the NSCDC boss emphasised the need to safeguard the nation’s agricultural efforts. He tasked officers to strengthen the deployment of Agro Rangers to protect farming communities and assets, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at achieving national food security.

While conveying President Tinubu’s commendation delivered through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Commandant General urged all personnel to intensify their commitment to fulfilling the Corps’ mandate.

Dr. Audi also reaffirmed the Corps’ unwavering commitment to protecting educational institutions, noting that additional reporting channels have been established to strengthen the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), housed at the NSCDC headquarters.

He explained that the CG’s Quarterly Conference serves as a platform to assess operational performance, review challenges, and chart strategic directions. The NSCDC, he said, plays a critical role in national security and must continue adapting to emerging threats across the country.