The rising wave of banditry in Nigeria has found an unexpected ally: illegal mining. This startling revelation was made by the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, during a high-level meeting with senior officers at the corps’ headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
In an impassioned address, Audi detailed the disturbing connection uncovered through investigations; a troubling partnership between illegal miners and suspected bandits. This alliance, he warned, fuels the spread of violence and plunders the nation’s rich resources.
“Recently, we have seen that there is a nexus between banditry and illegal mining. There is a serious connection between banditry and illegal mining,” Audi stated, his tone underscoring the urgency of the situation. “These bad guys collude and connive with illegal miners, and they hibernate in our environments to unleash mayhem and cart away with our resources.”
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It’s a chilling picture. Criminals exploiting Nigeria’s mineral wealth while sowing fear and destruction. And for the NSCDC, it’s a call to action. Audi urged senior officers to adopt more aggressive and effective strategies to tackle this dangerous synergy, emphasizing the need for a stronger, more proactive approach.
“We need to do more. We need to add some bite to our operations and make them more robust,” he said, his voice resolute.
The Commandant-General also pointed out the unwavering support of the Federal Government in aiding the corps’ mission. From protecting critical national assets to ensuring the safety of Nigerians, the NSCDC’s role remains pivotal.
“We have been receiving various support from the government and so it is expected that we reciprocate by putting in active efforts,” Audi noted. “We must implement our mandate by providing security for critical national assets and infrastructure and, in the long run, provide security for Nigerians.”
But this fight requires constant evolution. With security threats like oil theft, farmers/herders clashes, and insurgency transforming into terrorism, kidnapping, and hostage-taking, Audi stressed the importance of regularly assessing and refining their strategies.
“We need to appraise ourselves on what we have been doing, methods implemented, results achieved, and challenges faced,” he said. “In the long run, we need to discuss strategies on how to cope with these challenges and then chart the way forward.”
Source: Ripples
