Edo State State Mines Mines Commissioner, Hon Andrew Ijagbai, has paid a courtesy visit to NSCDC Edo Command.

During the visit, Hon Ijagbai discussed the rising activities of illegal miners in the State and sought the NSCDC’s support in enforcing mining regulations. He used the opportunity to introduce the newly Inuagurated Taxforce on illegal mining in the State to the Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, CC Agun Gbenga.

In his Response, Commandant Agun said one of our core mandates is to protect Mining sites, Legal Miners and flush out Illegal Miners, we can’t afford to leave our mining sector in the hands of criminals, as it forms a major segment of our economic survival and key Income earners.

“We will not stand by and watch a handful of individuals subject our economy to avoidable harm, This explains our renewed battle against illegal Mining, as you know we have over 2000 trained Mining Marshals all over the country, any one caught, no matter how highly placed, will face the full wrath of the law,” said Commandant Agun.

Commandant warned registered Miners Operating with expired licenses to desist and take immediate steps to renew them with the relevant authorities.

Commandant Agun Gbenga, assured the Hon commisioner of the corps’ readiness to provide intelligence, patrol support, and enforcement measures to safeguard Edo’s mineral resources.

The visit aimed to strengthen inter-agency cooperation in the fight against illegal mining and protect mineral resources within the State. Both parties agreed on the importance of joint surveillance, information sharing, and periodic stakeholder engagements to effectively tackle illegal mining and enhance regulatory compliance in the mining sector.