By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Gombe State Command, has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) to enhance radiation safety, protect nuclear materials and promote safer mining activities in the state.

The State Commandant, Commandant Mohammed Inuwa Usman, mni, gave the assurance when he received the Coordinator of the NNRA North-East Zonal Office, Gombe, Mr Yusuf Tanko Baba, who paid a familiarisation visit to the Corps’ State Command Headquarters.

The meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation in the monitoring of radioactive materials, protection of lives and the environment, and improving preparedness for emergencies involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) threats.Commandant Usman disclosed that the NSCDC has a specialised CBRNE Unit staffed by personnel trained to identify and respond to threats associated with hazardous substances and related emergencies.

He described the proposed partnership as an important step towards improving prevention, early detection and coordinated emergency response.In his remarks, Baba emphasised the need for joint monitoring, inspections and enforcement of safety regulations among users of radioactive materials, particularly hospitals, industries and other facilities where such substances are utilised.He also raised concerns about the potential dangers associated with mining activities involving Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs), warning that inadequate regulation could expose miners and host communities to radiation and serious health risks.Baba therefore called for closer cooperation between the two agencies to monitor mining sites, tackle illegal mining and ensure strict compliance with established radiation safety standards.Responding, Commandant Usman reaffirmed the NSCDC’s readiness to work with the NNRA, noting that the Corps’ statutory responsibility for the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as its efforts to combat illegal mining, places it in a strategic position to support the initiative.

He assured that the Command would deploy its specialised CBRNE Unit where necessary to strengthen radiation safety, promote responsible mining and protect communities across Gombe State.