The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified its campaign against illegal mining in Kogi State, warning offenders to stop their activities or face the full weight of the law.
The Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant John Onoja Attah, delivered the warning during a meeting with the Ejeh of Ankpa and Chairman of the Ankpa Traditional Council, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu Ahmed.
Attah urged residents to engage only with licensed mining companies and stressed that all mining activities must comply with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. He warned that anyone found engaging in illegal mining would face tough sanctions.
He also encouraged host communities to report licensed mining firms that fail to fulfil their obligations under Community Development Agreements (CDAs), assuring them that the Federal Government would enforce compliance.
Inside Kogi State:
Expressing concern over fatalities linked to unsafe and unregulated mining, Attah said the Mining Marshals would not tolerate activities that endanger lives, particularly those involving young people seeking quick financial gains.
In response, the Ejeh of Ankpa pledged the support of the traditional council in the fight against illegal mining, promising to work closely with the Mining Marshals to identify offenders and promote safe, regulated mining.
The renewed collaboration is expected to strengthen efforts to curb illegal mining, improve compliance with mining regulations, and protect communities from the environmental and human consequences of unlawful mineral exploitation.
About The Author
