NSCDC deploys mining marshals across zones

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

…unveils 10 rugged vehicles for nationwide crackdown
…Audi says decentralization aligns with FG’s economic drive

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has decentralized its mining enforcement operations and formally deployed a specialized team of Mining Marshals across seven operational zones in the country.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said the strategic move is part of a renewed effort to strengthen enforcement within the solid minerals sector and boost the Corps’ presence in mining hotspots nationwide.

In a statement released by CSC Babawale Afolabi, the National Public Relations Officer, the Corps also commissioned ten specially-built operational vehicles designed for rough terrains and rapid response missions.

“These vehicles will be used by the Mining Marshals to carry out intelligence-led patrols, surveillance, and tactical enforcement against illegal mining activities across the country,” the statement said.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, Professor Audi described the decentralization as a “bold operational reform” that puts enforcement units closer to the scenes of illegal mining.

“With the deployment of Mining Marshals to all seven zones, we are scaling up our capacity to confront illegal mining operations head-on,” Audi declared. “These officers have been equipped and trained to engage professionally and lawfully in protecting our solid mineral assets from economic saboteurs.”

The NSCDC boss emphasized that the initiative not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports the Federal Government’s agenda for economic diversification.

He noted that the protection of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources is vital for national growth and the security of critical infrastructure.

“Our statutory mandate includes the protection of national assets, and this deployment is in line with that obligation,” he added.