Nwifuru Seeks 400 Civil Defence Personnel to Curb Illegal Mining in Ebonyi
By Ugonma Ewa, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has raised alarm over the increasing rate of illegal mining in the state, warning that valuable minerals such as gold are being extracted and exported under the guise of lead and zinc mining, with little or no regulatory oversight.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to the Government House, Abakaliki, over the weekend, Governor Nwifuru called for the immediate deployment of at least 400 NSCDC personnel to strengthen the state’s security architecture.
He lamented that the number of security personnel currently available in the state is grossly inadequate compared to other states, describing the situation as a “serious handicap” in addressing illegal mining and other security challenges.
“Ebonyi State Command doesn’t have manpower up to what a single local government has elsewhere. What is our sin?” Nwifuru queried, adding that the shortfall has forced the military to take on duties outside their primary mandate.
The governor further revealed that many illegal operators exploit regulatory loopholes to smuggle gold, causing significant economic losses to the country.
“Some people claim to mine lead and zinc, but they are actually extracting gold. The country is losing a lot,” he warned.
To help remedy the situation, the governor submitted a list of 194 potential recruits from Ebonyi State for federal consideration, arguing that their engagement would reduce unemployment, boost accountability, and improve security surveillance.
Governor Nwifuru also pledged to provide logistical support, including 10 operational vehicles, once the additional NSCDC personnel are deployed.
“If you give us 400 officers, the 10 Hilux vehicles will come immediately as you requested,” he assured.
In his response, Commandant General Audi commended the governor’s proactive stance and reaffirmed the Corps’ readiness to collaborate with the state in combating illegal mining and other criminal activities.
He disclosed that the NSCDC has already shut down more than 600 illegal mining sites across the country, arrested over 500 suspects, including foreign nationals, and prosecuted many offenders.
“We are operating in an asymmetric security environment of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. We can only overcome these threats through coordination, cooperation, and collaboration,” Audi emphasized.
As part of the visit, Governor Nwifuru inaugurated the Saint Francis Chapel at the NSCDC Ebonyi Command Headquarters, a project initiated by the State Commandant, Mr. Francis Nnadi, to promote ethical conduct and spiritual discipline among officers.
Commandant Nnadi, in his remarks, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to partnering with the Ebonyi State Government to secure mining sites and protect critical infrastructure across the state.
