Pix: CG NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has achieved another milestone in its ongoing drive to curb illegal mining and protect the nation’s mineral resources. The South-South command of the NSCDC mining marshals has successfully sealed off several unauthorized dredging and sand mining sites in Rivers State.

This operation underscores the corps’ renewed resolve to safeguard critical national assets and enforce laws regulating solid mineral exploration, a vision championed by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

Leading the operation, DSC Emmanuel Abiahu, commander of the South-South mining marshals, confirmed that multiple illegal mining, quarrying, and sand dumping sites were shut down in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“Our mandate is clear to ensure strict compliance with mining regulations across the sector,” DSC Abiahu stated. “We are systematically identifying and dismantling illegal operations based on credible intelligence and will prosecute offenders accordingly. This is a final warning to all operators in the South-South region: regularize your licenses immediately or face the full force of the law.”

The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic assets and maintaining environmental sustainability. The corps emphasized that it will continue to collaborate closely with local authorities, community leaders, and relevant agencies to eliminate illegal mining activities.

The NSCDC also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious dredging or sand mining operations in their communities, reinforcing the collective responsibility of protecting the nation’s natural resources.