The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Anambra State Command and the Anambra State Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources have pledged to enhance their collaboration and rid the state of illegal miners and perpetrators of illegalities in the petroleum sector .

This partnership was cemented when Comdt. Maku Olatunde, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, paid a familiarization visit to Barr. Anthony Ifeanya, the Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

During the meeting, Comdt. Maku and Commissioner Ifeanya discussed strategies for enhancing security and enforcement in the petroleum and mineral resources sector. They emphasized the need for increased collaboration and intelligence sharing between the NSCDC and the Ministry to identify and dismantle illegal mining and tackle adulteration of petroleum products.

Comdt. Maku stressed the importance of ridding the state of illegal miners and illegal dealing in petroleum products, citing the negative impacts on the environment, economy, and security of the state. He noted that the NSCDC, as the lead agency in the protection of Critical National Assets and infrastructure, had established a close working relationship with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, resulting in the creation of the Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining and related activities.

In his remarks, Barr. Anthony Ifeanya reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the NSCDC in their efforts to combat illegal mining and illicit petroleum products proliferation. He noted that the state was blessed with mineral resources but stressed that the mining sector was bedeviled with the menace of illegal mining and carting away of mineral resources. He emphasized that the Ministry would fully partner with NSCDC to address these challenges.

With this renewed partnership, the NSCDC and the Ministry are committed to making significant progress in ridding the state of illegal miners and adulterated petroleum products, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for Anambra Citizens.

SC Okadigbo Edwin
Head Media & Tactical Ops NSCDC Anambra State Command
For: State Commandant