NSCDC Oyo Command Arrests Five for Illegal Mining

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State has apprehended five individuals for alleged illegal mining activities.

The suspects were arrested in Ibadan on Wednesday, and were found in possession of two trucks loaded with solid minerals suspected to be lithium powder, weighing approximately 60 tonnes.

Oyo State NSCDC Commandant, Augustine Padonu, made this announcement while parading the suspects before the media.

According to Commandant Padonu, the arrests were made as part of the NSCDC’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s natural resources.

He explained that the suspects were intercepted by the NSCDC monitoring team at the Ibadan Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The operation took place at around 2100 hours on Friday, during which two DAF trucks with registration numbers BDJ 64 XE and ARP 201 XB were stopped and searched. Upon inspection, the trucks were found to be loaded with solid minerals suspected to be lithium powder.

Padonu revealed that the preliminary investigation indicated that the minerals were sourced from Ilenla in Kishi town, Oyo State, and were intended for sale at Ogere in Ogun State.

The commandant stressed that the suspects had been operating from illegal mining sites without the necessary licences and documentation. Specifically, they lacked operation licences, royalties, purchase and process licences, and haulage receipts, all of which are mandatory for legal mining operations in Nigeria.

“The suspects have been conducting their activities in blatant disregard for the legal framework that governs mining in the country.

Their actions not only undermine the nation’s economy but also pose significant environmental and security risks,” Padonu stated.

He underscored the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements to ensure that mining activities are conducted safely and sustainably.

The NSCDC’s actions highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian authorities in curbing illegal mining, a practice that has become prevalent in many parts of the country.

Illegal mining activities not only deprive the government of valuable revenue but also cause environmental degradation and pose threats to public safety.

In recent years, the NSCDC, along with other security agencies, has intensified efforts to clamp down on such illegal operations, which often involve the exploitation of Nigeria’s rich mineral resources by unlicensed operators.

Commandant Padonu reassured the public that the suspects would face the full weight of the law, noting that they would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He also used the opportunity to call on the citizens of Oyo State to continue supporting the efforts of the NSCDC and other security agencies by providing timely and accurate information that could help in the fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities.

“We urge the good people of Oyo State to continue providing NSCDC and other security agencies with information that will aid our efforts in maintaining law and order,” Padonu appealed.

Furthermore, Padonu reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral resources and ensuring that all mining activities within the state adhere strictly to legal and regulatory standards.

He affirmed that the command would not relent in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure that Nigeria’s natural wealth is protected and managed responsibly.

The NSCDC’s crackdown on illegal mining in Oyo State is part of a broader national effort to regulate the mining sector and curb the illegal extraction and sale of minerals, which has long been a significant issue in Nigeria. Illegal mining not only results in economic losses but also contributes to environmental problems such as deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation.

By enforcing regulations and cracking down on illegal operators, the NSCDC aims to promote sustainable mining practices that will benefit the nation’s economy and protect its natural resources for future generations.

In conclusion, the arrest of these five suspects by the NSCDC Oyo State Command serves as a clear warning to others engaged in illegal mining activities.

The command’s decisive actions demonstrate its unwavering resolve to enforce the law and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources are used for the benefit of all citizens in a lawful and sustainable manner.