Pix: Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, CG NSCDC

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has disclosed that no fewer than 500 illegal miners have been arrested, with 270 currently undergoing prosecution across various states of the federation.

Professor Audi made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee on Illegal Mining. Represented by Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah, the NSCDC boss reiterated the Corps’ commitment to working closely with the National Assembly and other relevant agencies to curb the menace of illegal mining and safeguard the nation’s mineral wealth.

He noted that the NSCDC established the Mining Marshals Task Force as part of a deliberate strategy to combat illegal mining activities and seal off revenue leakages that have cost the nation billions of naira. The creation of the Mining Marshals was a proactive step to strengthen enforcement, promote transparency, and ensure that mineral exploration aligns with due process and national interest.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Adhoc Committee, Hon Sanni Abdulraheem, emphasized the committee’s mandate to block revenue leakages and promote accountability in the solid minerals sector. Describing illegal mining as a scourge with devastating economic and environmental consequences, he vowed that the committee would ensure every naira generated from Nigeria’s natural resources contributes directly to national prosperity. Abdulraheem further assured that the committee would reinforce oversight, strengthen revenue tracking mechanisms, and support security agencies like the NSCDC in flushing out illegal miners nationwide.