The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has adopted a resolute position against illegal mining activities in Nigeria. In a recent meeting with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in Abuja, the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, underscored the agency’s dedication to combating illegal mining.
Dr. Audi, who also represented the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, presented the NSCDC’s mining manual during the meeting. This manual will serve as a comprehensive guide for the agency’s newly established mining squad, known as ‘Operation Hayakinkoko’. The primary objective of this initiative is to address the widespread issue of illegal mining, which has significantly contributed to the loss of substantial national revenue in the mining sector.
Dr. Audi explained that the code-name ‘Operation Hayakinkoko’ symbolizes the mission to eradicate illegal mining activities and recuperate the revenue that has been lost as a result. Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, reiterated the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the country has suffered significant financial setbacks due to illegal mining activities.
At the meeting, the operations manual was formally presented to the 60-member Mining Marshal team. These individuals, carefully selected from various state commands based on their credibility, have undergone rigorous training to ensure effective service delivery in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
As part of the strategy to enforce the crackdown on illegal mining, similar teams will be deployed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This comprehensive approach highlights the seriousness with which the NSCDC is addressing the issue. The agency is striving to curb illegal mining activities and safeguard the country’s valuable natural resources.
The NSCDC’s action comes at a crucial time when the Nigerian government is intensifying efforts to regulate the mining sector and eradicate illicit practices that have been detrimental to the country’s economic well-being. The launch of ‘Operation Hayakinkoko’ signifies a significant step towards addressing the pervasive challenge of illegal mining and safeguarding the nation’s mineral resources.
In the battle against illegal mining, the NSCDC’s initiative is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the mining sector. It aims to restore integrity and accountability while promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices. With the collaboration of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the NSCDC is poised to make significant progress in combating illegal mining and ensuring that the nation’s resources are utilized for the benefit of all Nigerians.