The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has successfully shut down unauthorized dredging and sand mining operations in Rivers State.
A statement by the Corps’ spokesman, Afolabi Babawale, on Tuesday, said the success was achieved by operatives of the specialized NSCDC Mining Marshals Unit in the South-south region, lin its ongoing campaign against the illegal exploitation of the nation’s solid minerals.
Babawale described the decisive action as a direct result of the Corps’ renewed commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and enforcing anti-mining laws across the country,,a vision being powerfully championed by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
According to the spokesman, the operation was spearheaded by the Commander, Mining Marshal South South, DSC Emmanuel Abiahu. The team successfully sealed multiple illegal sand dump, mining, and quarrying sites at Eleme Local government Area of Rivers state.
“Our mandate is clear: to ensure every operator in the solid mineral sector complies strictly with the law,” stated DSC Abiahu, adding that operatives are actively shutting down illegal sites, dismantling their operations following thorough intelligence, and prosecuting offenders.
Abiahu issued a final warning to all operators in the South-South region to immediately update their licenses, or face the full wrath of the law.
“The NSCDC remains unwavering in its dedication to securing the nation’s economic environment. The Corps will continue to work in close collaboration with local authorities and calls on all stakeholders and concerned citizens to support this critical national effort by reporting any suspected illegal sand mining or dredging activities in their communities”, Babawale said.
