Mining Marshal, ACC J. A. Onoja (Nigerian Mining)

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified its efforts against economic sabotage, conducting two significant operations that resulted in the dismantling of an illegal gold mining site and the destruction of a large wooden boat used for siphoning crude oil.

In the first operation, which took place in the Ogunlepa, Oluwa Forest Reserve, located in the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mining Marshals apprehended four individuals engaged in illegal gold mining. The suspects were caught in the act within the Government Reserved Area and admitted to operating without the necessary licenses or authorisation. They now face serious legal repercussions under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA) at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Mining Marshals, NSCDC on Motorbikes (Nigerian Mining)
Mining Marshals on a hunt for illegal miners

ACC AJ Onoja, the Mining Marshal Commander who led the raid, issued a stern warning to those involved in illicit mining activities, urging them to comply with the NNMA. He stressed that the Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to enforcing the law, stating, “The big stick will be wielded without hesitation against anyone who flouts the law,” underscoring the government’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral resources for legitimate use.

In a separate operation, the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG SIS) uncovered and destroyed a concealed wooden boat used by criminals to transport stolen crude oil near the Owaza coastline in Rivers State. The boat, capable of carrying over 200,000 litres of siphoned crude oil, was a critical asset for criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of the nation’s oil reserves.

Destroyed Vessel (Nigerian Mining)
Oil Vessel destroyed by NSCDC Marshals

The destruction of the boat is a major setback for oil thieves who have long exploited Nigeria’s vast crude resources, causing substantial revenue losses for the government. Authorities stated that the swift action by the CG SIS reflects the government’s heightened vigilance and ongoing efforts to protect the country’s essential infrastructure and natural resources from illicit activities.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up for the Nigerian Mining Weekly Newsletter

The latest news from the Nigerian solid minerals and mining industry delivered to your inbox.

You May Also Like

Tinubu Instructs Security Agents to Clamp Down on Illegal Mining 

Nigeria’s military and security services received a marching order from President Bola…

Solid Minerals Minister Calls for Peace Among Nasarawa Mining Firms

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has urged mining firms…

Dele Alake Commends ANRML for Significant Foreign Investment in Mining Sector

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, commended African Natural…

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Visits West Africa’s Largest Quarry

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, visited Zeberced…