Police and NSCDC Clash Over Nasarawa Mining Site Operations

Tensions have escalated between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over jurisdictional authority at a mining site in Nasarawa State. The dispute centers on enforcement actions taken against illegal mining activities in the region.

The NSCDC, through its specialized Mining Marshals unit, has been actively cracking down on unauthorized mining operations. In a notable operation, three Chinese nationals and two Nigerians were arrested for allegedly mining without proper authorization at Rafin-Gabas in the Agwada Area Council of Kokona Local Government Area. The suspects reportedly confessed to illicit activities on the site since December 2021, involving minerals such as fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin.

However, the Nigeria Police Force has raised concerns about overlapping responsibilities and the need for clear delineation of authority in such operations. The lack of coordination between the two agencies has led to legal ambiguities and operational inefficiencies.

In response to the growing challenges in the mining sector, the Federal Government has emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, highlighted the government’s commitment to sanitizing the mining environment and ensuring that only legitimate investors operate within the sector. He noted that over 200 illegal mining sites have been reclaimed, and more than 300 suspects arrested nationwide.

The ongoing legal tussle between the Police and NSCDC underscores the complexities of enforcing mining regulations in Nigeria. Stakeholders have called for the establishment of a unified framework to streamline operations and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal mining activities.

As the situation unfolds, the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the nation’s mineral resources remains steadfast, with a focus on fostering a secure and transparent mining sector.