Title holders' role germane to curb illegal mining, says NSCDC

NIGERIA —The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said titled holders' role was germane to recover mining sites and curb illegal mining in the country to boost revenue.

The NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said the role of legitimate title holders in restoring lawful operations and sustaining mining activities cannot be overemphasised.

According to him, “We seal off illegal sites, secure them to protect evidence, and facilitate verified title holders in resuming lawful operations. This approach prevents revenue loss and ensures sustainability."

The moves came against the backdrop of the NSCDC’s recovery of over 200 mining sites from bandits and illegal miners nationwide, following the Federal Government’s inauguration of Mining Marshals to safeguard mineral resources.

Babawale disclosed that most illegal mining activities occurred in places of mineral titles already assigned to legitimate owners, but without their consent.

By enabling title holders to reclaim their sites, the NSCDC aims to halt unauthorised operations and increase revenue through royalty payments.

Babawale said, “Note that most illegal miners operate on existing mineral titles without the consent of the valid title holders.

“Therefore, sustaining recovered sites becomes easy with the title holders ready to take over their sites, thereby boosting revenue through royalty payments,” Babawale added.

The corps has also engaged with local communities through monarchs, sensitising them to the dangers of illegal mining and encouraging cooperation with authorities to ensure sustainable practices.

Following this strategy, the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, disclosed that over 300 suspects had been arrested for illegal mining and economic sabotage.

Additionally, 133 individuals are currently being prosecuted for their involvement in illegal activities.

“By facilitating the transition of recovered sites to rightful operators, the NSCDC is not only bolstering legal mining operations but also ensuring that the nation’s mineral resources are used to benefit the economy,”Babawale said.