The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ebonyi State Command, has announced plans to intensify its crackdown on illegal mining operators across the state.
The Commandant of the NSCDC in Ebonyi State, Commander Francis Nnadi, said illegal miners must regularise their operations before the September deadline or risk arrest and prosecution.
Nnadi disclosed this on Friday while speaking with journalists at the NSCDC command headquarters in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
According to him, the command’s security interventions across the state are producing positive results, with several offenders arrested and prosecuted following intelligence-led operations.
The Ebonyi NSCDC boss said the command would strengthen enforcement against unauthorised mining and other activities capable of threatening public safety or causing environmental damage.
He stressed that the Corps was not against legitimate mining, noting that properly licensed mining operations could create employment, generate revenue and contribute to economic development in host communities.
However, Nnadi warned that individuals or companies operating without the required licences, registration and statutory approvals would be regarded as illegal miners and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He added that the NSCDC was collaborating with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to improve regulatory enforcement and ensure mining activities comply with existing laws and approved safety standards.
Nnadi raised concerns about miners abandoning excavated sites without carrying out proper reclamation.
He warned that abandoned mining pits could expose residents to serious danger while also worsening erosion and other forms of environmental degradation.
The commandant explained that authorised mining operators were expected to reclaim their sites after exhausting commercially viable mineral deposits.
He said the NSCDC would not tolerate the abandonment of dangerous excavations and would increase enforcement activities throughout September.
Nnadi further noted that mining operations could create environmental and public safety hazards, including emissions and other risks, making strict compliance with prescribed procedures essential.
The commandant also disclosed that the Ebonyi NSCDC had expanded its community-based intelligence system through an initiative known as the “Civil Defence Community.”
According to him, more than 1,000 residents have been enrolled in the initiative, allowing farmers, hunters and people living in rural communities to provide security information directly to the Corps.
Nnadi said intelligence received through the grassroots network had contributed to several arrests.
He added that the command plans to expand and digitise the platform to improve the speed at which security agencies receive and respond to actionable information.
He explained that the initiative was designed to reduce the time between receiving intelligence and deploying an appropriate security response.
Nnadi also highlighted the NSCDC’s “Operation Know Your Neighbour” programme, which encourages residents, landlords and community leaders to be more familiar with the identities and activities of people within their neighbourhoods.
He said community vigilance was essential to preventive security because it could help identify suspicious or unusual activities before they develop into major criminal incidents.
The commandant called for greater cooperation between security agencies and members of the public to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve security across Ebonyi State.
On election security, Nnadi said the command would begin another three-month internal training programme for personnel towards the end of September.
He said the training would prepare officers for future electoral duties, with emphasis on tactical skills, discipline, professionalism, operational coordination and compliance with rules of engagement.
Nnadi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining discipline among its personnel and encouraged members of the public to report officers who engage in unprofessional conduct.
The Ebonyi NSCDC commandant further revealed that the Corps had expanded its Safe School Initiative across the state’s three senatorial zones.
The programme is aimed at improving security awareness among pupils, students, teachers and school administrators.
According to Nnadi, the command has developed a database of schools across Ebonyi State and is working with relevant stakeholders on risk assessment, security education, training and community participation.
He said the initiative would help children develop basic security awareness from an early age, including how to respond to suspicious individuals, unsolicited gifts and other potential threats.
Nnadi also disclosed that the command had established a female special force and strengthened its quick-response capacity to support emergency interventions and security operations throughout the state.
He urged security agencies, traditional rulers, religious organisations, civil society groups, corporate organisations, communities and the media to maintain close collaboration in the interest of public safety.
The commandant said stronger cooperation among stakeholders remained essential to addressing security challenges and protecting communities across Ebonyi State.
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