By Eze Victor
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi has confirmed that over 600 illegal mining sites have been shut down nationwide, with more than 500 suspects including Nigerians and foreigners currently facing prosecution, in a sweeping crackdown on illicit mining operations.
This revelation came during a high-level visit to Ebonyi State, where Governor Francis Nwifuru raised concerns about a dangerous trend of gold being smuggled out of the state under the guise of lead and zinc mining — a scheme he described as a massive economic crime.
Speaking at the Government House in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru accused illegal miners of exploiting regulatory loopholes and taking advantage of the severe lack of security personnel in the state’s mineral-rich regions.
“Some people are mining lead and zinc, but they’re actually extracting gold. The country is losing a lot,” the governor lamented.
“What is our sin?” he questioned, frustrated by the disproportionately low deployment of NSCDC operatives in Ebonyi compared to other states.
Nwifuru called for the immediate deployment of 400 NSCDC officers to address the growing insecurity in mining zones.
He disclosed that the current NSCDC presence in Ebonyi is smaller than what is typically posted to a single local government elsewhere, a situation that has forced the military to step in to fill the gap.
In a bid to support enforcement efforts, the governor submitted a list of 194 Ebonyi indigenes for possible recruitment into the NSCDC and pledged to provide 10 operational vehicles (Hilux vans) if the requested personnel are deployed.
While acknowledging that mining regulation falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, Governor Nwifuru criticized the exclusion of states from critical enforcement and licensing decisions.
“We don’t license miners. We don’t sign consent agreements. The federal government holds that power. So when you don’t give us manpower, what do we do?” he asked.
In response, Prof. Audi acknowledged the gravity of the illegal mining crisis, stating that the NSCDC has intensified efforts across the country to disrupt unregulated mining networks and protect critical infrastructure.
“We have shut down over 600 illegal mining sites and are prosecuting more than 500 suspects, both Nigerians and foreigners,” Audi said.
“We remain committed to protecting mining zones and national assets, but we must work in coordination with states. Cooperation and collaboration are key, especially in complex environments like Ebonyi.”
Audi’s visit also marked the commissioning of the Saint Francis Chapel at the NSCDC State Command in Abakaliki, constructed under the leadership of State Commandant Francis Nnadi to promote discipline, ethical service, and spiritual balance among officers.