Abakaliki: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ebonyi says it has intensified its crackdown on illegal miners and fertiliser adulterators in the state.
The State Commandant of the corps, Francis Nnadi, disclosed on Saturday while interacting with reporters, noting that their activities amounted to economic sabotage.
Nnadi said that the command was desirous to ensure environmental sustainability, while curbing threats to public safety and food security.
“Illegal mining operations are without safety oversight and therefore, dangerous to man and the environment.
“We are already monitoring locations such as Enyigba in Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA), where concerns of underground mining by an expatriate firm are raised.
“We assure that any illegality discovered would be dealt with decisively within 24 hours,” he said.
The state commandant disclosed that the corps was collaborating with the State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, and other relevant agencies to achieve its desired objectives.
“We also collaborate with relevant revenue authorities to ensure that only authorised miners operate in the state. Standard is of utmost importance, so we ensure it is strictly adhered to,” he said.
He noted that the command is resolute in cracking down on fertiliser adulterators, with several arrests of suspects made and fake produce confiscated.
“Someone selling fake fertiliser is worse than an armed robber because such a person is depriving farmers of their means of survival.
“The NSCDC is working closely with the Ebonyi Task Force on fertiliser distribution to ensure offenders are arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
“We recently uncovered and shut down a network of illegal fertiliser vendors in the state and assured more arrests,” he said.
Nnadi assured the people of the command’s resolve to safeguard their lives and property, while also ensuring the adequate protection of critical national assets.
“The Safe School Quick Response Unit, the Civil Defence Community grassroots intelligence network, among others, are initiatives deployed to actualise our security objectives,” he said.