By Peter Omopo
29th August 2025
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi, has said the fight against illegal mining in Nigeria cannot be won by security agencies alone without grassroots support and community involvement.
Audi made the call in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps Attah John Onoja, at the National Stakeholders and Civil Society Summit held on Friday at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
“The fight against illegal mining cannot be won by security forces alone, but requires grassroots engagement, local intelligence, and community buy-in,” Audi stated.
The summit brought together senior government officials, civil society organisations, and security agencies to discuss pressing national threats such as terrorism, oil theft, violent extremism, illegal mining, and human rights abuses.
Highlighting achievements under Audi’s leadership, Onoja noted that the Mining Marshals, created during his tenure, have disrupted illegal mining operations across several states, leading to arrests, seizures, and prosecutions. He said these operations have helped safeguard Nigeria’s mineral resources, boost government revenue, and support local economic development.
“Under the leadership of the Commandant General, the Corps has recorded tremendous success in disrupting illegal mining operations. This has not only protected our resources but has positively impacted the economy,” Onoja said.
He further stressed the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, pointing out that security challenges such as banditry, terrorism, and resource theft require collective action, professionalism, and sustained policy implementation.
Participants at the event commended the NSCDC’s expanding role in safeguarding national assets and called for greater empowerment of Nigeria’s security institutions to address emerging threats.
