The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps says its crackdown on illegal mining has helped protect the country’s mineral resources and boost government revenue.

Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi, represented by the assistant commandant and head of the Mining Marshals,
Attah John Onoja made this disclosure on Thursday at a national stakeholders and civil society summit in Abuja.

The summit, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, brought together senior government officials, security agencies, and civil society groups to address terrorism, oil theft, violent extremism, illegal mining, and human rights violations.

Speaking on the theme “The Role of Community Leaders and Civil Society Organisations in Tackling Illegal Mining in Nigeria,” Onoja stressed that security agencies cannot succeed without intelligence and support from local communities.

“Under the leadership of the commandant general, Prof Audi, the Corps has recorded tremendous success in disrupting illegal mining operations across various states,” Onoja said.

“This has not only safeguarded Nigeria’s mineral resources but has also positively impacted government revenue and local economic development.”

The Mining Marshals, established under Audi’s leadership, have conducted intelligence-driven operations leading to arrests, seizures, and prosecutions.

Onoja also urged stronger collaboration among security agencies to tackle broader threats such as banditry and terrorism.

“Security challenges require collective action and sustained policy implementation,” he said.

The summit concluded with a consensus that Nigeria’s security agencies, including the NSCDC, need greater empowerment to tackle crimes threatening economic stability and democratic governance.