The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ebonyi says it has intensified a crackdown on illegal miners and fertiliser adulterators.

The state commandant of the corps, Francis Nnadi, said this on Saturday in Abakaliki while interacting with journalists.

He said such activities amounted to economic sabotage.

Mr Nnadi said the command was committed to environmental sustainability and curbing threats to public safety and food security.

“We are already monitoring locations such as Enyigba in Ikwo Local Government Area, where concerns of underground mining by an expatriate firm are raised.

“We assure that any illegality discovered would be dealt with decisively within 24 hours,” he said.

The state commandant stated that the corps was collaborating with the state Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, among others, to achieve desired objectives.

“We also collaborate with relevant revenue authorities to ensure that only authorised miners operate in the state. Standard is of utmost importance, so we ensure it is strictly adhered to,” he said.

He said the command was resolute in cracking down on fertiliser adulterators, with several arrests of suspects made and fake products confiscated.

“Someone selling fake fertiliser is worse than an armed robber because such a person is depriving farmers of their means of survival.

“The NSCDC is working closely with the Ebonyi Task Force on fertiliser distribution to ensure offenders are arrested and prosecuted.

“We recently uncovered and shut down a network of illegal fertiliser vendors in the state and assure of more arrests,” he said.

Mr Nnadi assured the people of the command’s resolve to safeguard their lives and properties while also adequately protecting critical national assets.

“The Safe School Quick Response Unit, the Civil Defence Community grassroots intelligence network, among others, are initiatives deployed to actualise our security objectives,” he said.

(NAN)