NSCDC Mining Marshals Issue Final Warning to Illegal Miners in Kogi, Vow Strict Enforcement

By Spotlight African Reporters

Ankpa, Kogi State – The Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, has issued a strong warning to illegal miners operating in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, declaring that the era of unlawful mining activities has come to an end.

The warning was delivered during a strategic meeting with the Ejeh of Ankpa and Chairman of the Ankpa Traditional Council, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu Ahmed, where both parties resolved to strengthen collaboration to eliminate illegal coal mining and promote safe, regulated mining operations across the area.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ACC Attah urged residents to engage only with duly licensed mining companies. He emphasized that all mining activities must strictly comply with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

He warned that individuals and groups operating outside the law would face severe sanctions, stressing that the resolutions reached with the traditional institution would be backed by firm enforcement.

"The mineral resources in Ankpa are a blessing and must not become a curse. Anyone who continues to engage in illegal mining after this engagement should be prepared to face the full weight of the law," Attah stated.

The Mining Marshals Commander also called on host communities to report any licensed mining company that fails to fulfil its obligations under the Community Development Agreement (CDA). He assured residents that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that mining operators comply with all legal and community responsibilities.

Expressing concern over the increasing number of deaths linked to unsafe and unregulated mining activities, Attah described the situation as unacceptable. He noted that the Mining Marshals would not tolerate practices that expose young people to avoidable dangers in pursuit of quick financial gains.

In his response, the Ejeh of Ankpa, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu Ahmed, commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC Commandant General for responding to the concerns of the people over illegal mining activities in the area.

The traditional ruler pledged the full support of the Ankpa Traditional Council in promoting safe and responsible mining, noting that proper regulation of the sector would protect lives, create employment opportunities for youths, and ensure that host communities benefit from their natural resources.

He declared zero tolerance for illegal mining and assured the Federal Government that the traditional institution would work closely with the Mining Marshals to identify offenders and ensure strict compliance with existing mining laws.

The renewed partnership between the NSCDC Mining Marshals and the Ankpa Traditional Council is expected to reinforce the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining, strengthen compliance with mining regulations, protect the environment, and safeguard communities from the human and environmental consequences of unlawful mineral exploitation.