The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, says it is on the trail of illegal miners in Borno who have been defying the ban on mining activities in the state.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Farouq Musa-Boyi, disclosed this to newsmen on Saturday in Maiduguri.
He said most of the illegal mining occurs in Bayo Local Government Area of the state, where the unregistered artisans have caused environmental damage, especially 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.
“As you are aware, the 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,” he said.
He further said that the NSCDC will clamp down on the defaulters and bring them to justice.