ACC Onoja John Attah, Commander, NSCDC Special Mining Marshals

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals in the South-South Zone have dismantled an illegal mineral storage network uncovered within the Onne axis of Rivers State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, CSC Babawale Afolabi.

According to the statement, the operation was part of the Corps’ ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation’s mineral resources and protect local communities from the harmful effects of illegal mining activities.

The statement noted that the operation, led by DSC Emmanuel Abiahu, was based on credible intelligence and conducted in collaboration with officials from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. During the raid, the team discovered warehouses where illegally mined minerals were stockpiled without valid permits, licenses, or evidence of royalty payment to the Federal Government.

The NSCDC described the activities as a serious threat to the national economy, environmental safety, and the well-being of residents in the area.

DSC Abiahu explained that the operation was in direct response to the directive of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who has consistently emphasized the importance of protecting Nigeria’s solid mineral resources and maintaining a fair and regulated environment for legitimate miners, investors, and host communities.

He warned all operators in the region to comply with existing laws or face strict enforcement actions, reaffirming that the Corps remains committed to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the environment through continuous monitoring and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The NSCDC further appealed to citizens to provide security agencies with credible information that can help curb illegal mining and ensure that the nation’s natural resources are used for the benefit of the people and the country at large.