The Federal Government has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining following the killing of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer during an enforcement operation in Niger State.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, condemned the attack and assured that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on media to the Minister, Segun Tomori in Abuja.
The statement states that security and intelligence agencies have been placed on red alert to track down the perpetrators.
It also announces plans to strengthen the Mining Marshals — a special enforcement unit established in collaboration with the NSCDC — with additional weapons and operational equipment to enhance their capacity to combat illegal mining activities nationwide.
It states that the murder of the officer and the burning of an operational vehicle would not deter the Federal Government from sanitising the mining sector, protecting licensed operators, and safeguarding host communities.
The statement notes that growing investor interest in Nigeria’s mining sector, currently evident at the ongoing Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town, underscores the need to maintain security, regulatory compliance, and investor confidence.
According to the statement, the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Aniviye, confirmed that the officer was killed during a joint patrol at Zuzungi in Kataeregi, Katcha Local Government Area.
“The incident reportedly occurred around 12:30 a.m. on February 11, when officers attempted to intercept suspects allegedly involved in smuggling illegally mined minerals”
It reiterates the Federal government commitment to strengthening enforcement mechanisms, ensuring accountability, and promoting lawful mining operations as part of broader efforts to reposition the solid minerals sector for sustainable national development.
