The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, says that no fewer than 500 persons have been arrested nationwide, with 270 facing prosecution in connection with illegal mining.

He made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the House Ad Hoc Committee on illegal mining.

Mr Audi, represented by the assistant commandant of the corps, John Attah, declared the readiness of the mining marshals of the corps to collaborate with the National Assembly in containing illegal mining.

He said the NSCDC deliberately set up the mining marshals’ task force to combat illegal mining and close revenue leakages.

Earlier, the chairman of the ad hoc committee, Sanni Abdulraheem, affirmed the committee’s task of blocking revenue leakages arising from illegal mining.

Mr Abdulraheem, who condemned illegal mining, said it is a scourge with devastating effects on the national economy.

“Illegal mining, as we all know, is a scourge that has had devastating effects on our nation, from massive revenue losses to criminality that undermines our security and alters the environment.

“Our mission is clear. It is to block these revenue leakages, enforce transparency, and ensure that every naira from our natural resources is properly accounted for,” he said.

The ad hoc committee chairman, who thanked the speaker of the House of Representatives for reposing confidence in him, pledged not to disappoint Nigerians.

According to him, we will ensure that every naira generated from our rich natural resources contributes to the nation’s economic prosperity.

He said that the committee would strengthen revenue tracking mechanisms through structured oversight.

He restated the committee’s dedication to flushing out illegal miners in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

(NAN)