The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has called on verified title holders to take charge of recovered mining sites as part of a broader efforts to curb illegal mining and boost revenue generation for the government.

The NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, who spoke to The PUNCH on Tuesday, emphasised the role of legitimate title holders in restoring lawful operations and sustaining mining activities.

“We seal off illegal sites, secure them to protect evidence, and facilitate verified title holders in resuming lawful operations. This approach prevents revenue loss and ensures sustainability,” Babawale said.

The strategy came on the heels of the NSCDC’s recovery of over 200 mining sites from bandits and illegal miners nationwide, following the Federal Government’s inauguration of Mining Marshals to safeguard mineral resources.

Babawale revealed that most illegal mining activities take place on mineral titles already assigned to legitimate owners, but without their consent.

By enabling title holders to reclaim their sites, the NSCDC aims to halt unauthorised operations and increase revenue through royalty payments.

“Note that most illegal miners operate on existing mineral titles without the consent of the valid title holders.

“Therefore,  sustaining recovered sites becomes easy with the title holders ready to take over their sites, thereby boosting revenue through royalty payments,” Babawale added.

The corps has also engaged with local communities through traditional rulers, sensitising them to the dangers of illegal mining and encouraging cooperation with authorities to ensure sustainable practices.

Recently, the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, also highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that over 300 suspects had been arrested for illegal mining and economic sabotage.

Additionally, 133 individuals are currently being prosecuted for their involvement in illegal activities.

“By facilitating the transition of recovered sites to rightful operators, the NSCDC is not only bolstering legal mining operations but also ensuring that the nation’s mineral resources are used to benefit the economy,”Babawale said, stressing that the corps’ efforts ensure evidence is preserved for prosecution while enabling lawful activities to thrive.