The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Akwa Ibom State, Eluyemi Eluwade, has said the corps will stop at nothing to rid the state of illegal mining activities.

Mr Eluwade made the statement on Friday while speaking to journalists shortly after a tour of some mining sites in Uyo and Ibesikpo Local Government Areas.

He said that illegal mining was not only inimical to the environment but to the economy.

Mr Eluwade urged miners to operate with a sense of responsibility by obtaining valid licences from the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development.

The commandant said that mining marshals would soon be deployed to track down illegal mining site operators in the state.

”It is sabotage on the economy for anyone to operate mines illegally. Even truck drivers who buy products at illegal sites are culpable. We shall ensure that illegal miners are arrested and prosecuted. Nobody will be allowed to operate without licence anymore,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Miners Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom chapter, Iyakisa Udofia, said that it was important to enthrone sanity in the mining sector.

He said that the activities of illegal miners in the state were frustrating the efforts of duly licensed operators.

Mr Udofia said that the association would partner the NSCDC to promote licensed and environmentally friendly mining activities in the state.

He said, ‘‘We shall work with you to sanitise the sector by tackling unhealthy environmental practices, safety hazards and economic losses associated with illegal mining.’’

(NAN)