Ignorance of the law is no excuse, NSCDC warns miners

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) issued a stern warning to mining operators across Nigeria on Monday, urging them to cease all illegal activities. According to a statement from the NSCDC's Commander of Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah, operators found violating mining laws and regulations will face prosecution.

This warning came after the NSCDC Mining Marshals intensified enforcement operations nationwide, targeting illegal mining and unregulated activities. Despite progress in the South-West region, Attah emphasized that ignorance of the law would not exempt offenders from legal consequences. He stressed, "Ignorance of the law will never be an excuse.

Every operator must ensure that mining activities are conducted within the ambit of the law. Those who choose to operate outside the regulatory framework will face the full weight of legal consequences." The NSCDC's renewed enforcement drive aims to tackle illegal mining, protect legitimate investors, improve revenue generation, and restore confidence in a sector plagued by regulatory violations and economic sabotage.

Attah highlighted the importance of compliance with mining laws to ensure the safe and sustainable exploitation of Nigeria's mineral resources, which contribute to the national economy. The intensified operations are part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to reform the solid minerals sector, a key component of Nigeria's economic diversification agenda.