The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Adamawa State Command has paraded a group of illegal miners following a major operation that led to the seizure of 225 bags of fluorite and 41 bags of monazite in Dumne, Song, and Michika Local Government Areas.

The minerals were showcased in a public display as part of the corps’ efforts to underscore the gravity of the environmental and economic damage caused by unregulated mining in the state.

The Commandant of the NSCDC in Adamawa, Idris Danladi Bande, revealed that the command has retrained 100 personnel as mining marshals to strengthen the fight against illegal mining.

“These specially trained operatives are now deployed to monitor mining hotspots, arrest offenders, confiscate illegally mined materials, and ensure thorough investigations and prosecution of culprits,” he said.

“This crackdown is just the beginning. We are committed to protecting our natural resources, safeguarding the environment, and preventing the loss of revenue through illegal mining.”

The operation reflects the corps’ broader mandate to address the rising threats of environmental degradation, destruction of ecosystems, and economic sabotage linked to illegal mining.

The NSCDC called on local communities to be vigilant and report suspicious mining activities, reminding the public that engaging in illegal mining remains a punishable offense under Nigerian law.

The spokesperson of the command, DSC Nyako Amidu Baba, emphasised that the corps will continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement in all mining zones across the state.