The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Command, has arrested 82 suspects, comprising vandals and illegal miners, from August to date.
The FCT Commandant, Mr. Olusola Odumosu, revealed these figures during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, emphasizing the growing severity of the issue.
Mr. Odumosu disclosed, “Twenty suspects were arrested for manhole cover theft and vandalism of critical national assets, with five more apprehended in September for alleged electrical cable vandalism.” The commandant further highlighted a varied range of offenses, including the arrest of 11 individuals in October for illegal mining and the subsequent parade of 11 illegal miners and two vandals in December.
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Drawing attention to the broader scope of the problem, he added, “The command, under my leadership, has sanctioned three Private Guard Companies for various offenses, including operating without a license.” This crackdown aligns with the government’s inter-ministerial measures, as revealed by the Minister of Solid Mineral, Dele Alake, who pointed fingers at ‘Powerful Nigerians’ for the surge in illegal mining and acts of terrorism across the nation.
The Minister’s concern was evident as he stated on December 12, “Illegal mining activities and acts of terrorism are perpetuated by powerful Nigerians.” #NSCDC