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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory Command has made significant strides in combating illegal activities within the territory, with the arrest of 51 suspected illegal miners and three suspected telecommunication mast vandals.
Samuel Idoko, the spokesperson for the command, announced this development in a statement released on Monday. According to Idoko, the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, revealed that the arrests were made in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT, targeting individuals engaged in illegal mining activities.
Odumosu emphasized that the suspects, all male, lacked evidence of operating under a registered company or possessing exploration and mining licenses. He underscored the detrimental impact of illegal mining on the environment, citing soil encroachment, environmental degradation, and erosion as primary concerns affecting agricultural and human activities in affected areas.
Following thorough investigations, Odumosu affirmed that the suspects would face legal proceedings to deter others from engaging in similar unlawful practices. Exhibits recovered from the 54 suspects included dismantled metal mast parts, pumping machines, alleged gold dust, pumping hoses, fuel, shovels, diggers, and head pans.
In a related development, Odumosu disclosed the apprehension of three vandalism suspects by the Corps of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure unit. Acting on intelligence and undercover operations, the suspects were caught dismantling masts in the Giri Area without proper authorization from the NSCDC, the lead agency responsible for safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure.
During interrogation, the suspects failed to produce requisite approvals or valid identification establishing their affiliation with a legitimate company. Their admission of receiving payment in advance for the dismantling further raised suspicions of premeditated vandalism.
Ongoing investigations aim to ascertain the level of culpability and ownership claims, with necessary actions to be taken accordingly. The NSCDC remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving national assets and upholding the rule of law, ensuring the security and well-being of the Federal Capital Territory and its residents.
