The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ebonyi State Command, has uncovered a syndicate involved in the distribution of adulterated fertilizers and intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities across the state.
This was disclosed by the State Commandant, Francis Chika Nnadi, during a media briefing at the NSCDC Headquarters in Abakaliki on Wednesday. He stated that the arrests were made possible through a new initiative, Operation Know Your Neighbour, which is designed to promote community surveillance and expose illegal operations threatening public safety and food security.
“Through this operation, we have arrested individuals involved in the sale of fake fertilizers and other unlawful acts. These activities not only endanger agricultural productivity but also pose serious risks to environmental sustainability,” Nnadi said.
He explained that the initiative is part of the Corps’ commitment to the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes institutional reform and the protection of public assets. He urged residents to be vigilant and begin profiling those within their communities, noting that criminals often thrive due to the absence of scrutiny.
The Commandant further revealed that the NSCDC is working closely with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Solid Minerals, Federal Mines Officers, and revenue authorities to ensure that only licensed miners are allowed to operate in the state. He added that adherence to environmental regulations remains a priority.
In addition to shutting down an illegal fertilizer distribution ring, Nnadi said more arrests are underway as the NSCDC collaborates with the State Fertilizer Distribution Task Force to prosecute offenders.
He also outlined other ongoing interventions, including the formation of an Agro Rangers Squad to address herder-farmer conflicts and the deployment of Mining Marshals to monitor mining operations and prevent illegal extraction.
Additional projects by the Command include the construction of a Training Garden, a Chapel, and the establishment of a Safe School Quick Response Unit, led by a female-driven digital team tasked with protecting schools from attacks and kidnappings. A state-of-the-art NSCDC Training School, a staff crèche, and the Civil Defence Community Network, with over 1,000 active members, have also been introduced to boost grassroots intelligence gathering.
Speaking on the issue of illegal mining, Nnadi said the Corps is closely monitoring areas like Enyiba in Ikwo Local Government Area, where there have been reports of underground mining allegedly involving a Chinese firm.
He warned vandals destroying public infrastructure such as streetlights, bridges, and railings, stating that several suspects have already been remanded for vandalism and cult-related crimes.
“Every day is for the thief, but one day is for the owner. Ebonyi cannot continue to lose public resources to criminal elements. We are here to reduce crime and criminality to the barest minimum,” Nnadi declared.
He called on residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC office or through the Civil Defence Community network, assuring that all reports would be treated confidentially and swiftly.
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