NSCDC: Illegal mining ongoing in Borno despite ban

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says illegal miners are still stealing resources in Borno despite the ban on mining activities in the state.

Farouq Musa-Boyi, the NSCDC commandant in Borno, spoke in an interview with NAN on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital.

He said the majority of the illegal mining takes place in the Bayo local government area of the state, leading to environmental degradation — particularly in Wuyo, Jaradali, and Balbaya villages.

“There are several minerals in Borno which include feldspar, limestone, kaolin, potash, iron-ore, quarts, magnetite, diatomite, trona, mica, silica sand, gypsum, granite, flutters earth and uranium among others,” he said.

“As you are aware, Borno government has banned illegal miners in the state and warned defaulters of dire consequences.

“Despite the ban, these illegal merchants continued to steal these resources with impunity.”

Musa-Boyi said the NSCDC would take action against those who fail to comply and ensure they face legal consequences.

In October 2023, the Borno government placed a ban on all mining activities in the state.

In a statement, Usman Tar, the commissioner for information and internal security, said the ban is owing to the “fragile security situation” in the state.

Tar said the state government will soon issue a code of conduct and standard operating procedure for the mining value chain to guide the sector.

He advised all stakeholders in the mining sector in Borno to abide by the ban warning that “any violation will attract the wrath of the law”.