In a bold move to combat environmental degradation and protect the vulnerable, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has seized the spotlight with the arrest of 34 individuals involved in illegal mining operations in Rumuokarali/Rumualogu, Rivers State. But that’s not all; in a daring rescue operation, NSCDC personnel also apprehended a man attempting to defile a 15-year-old girl in a hotel near Port Harcourt.
Commandant Basil Igwebueze of the NSCDC Rivers State Command made these startling revelations while addressing the media in Port Harcourt on Thursday. He lauded the success of the operation, attributing it to credible intelligence and the joint efforts of various agencies, including the NSCDC Sold Minerals Unit, the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel, and the Ministerial Task Force on illegal mining. Notably, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Immigration Service were also vital contributors to this collaborative effort.
Commandant Igwebueze detailed the capture of the 34 suspects red-handed, engaged in the unlawful extraction of sharp sands, a practice causing severe environmental degradation in the region. The operation also led to the retrieval of three dredging machines from the crime scene.
A mysterious Chinese individual, known for his involvement in illegal mining activities, was spotted at the scene but managed to escape through a nearby hotel’s back gate in Choba, Obio/Akpo Local Government Area.
However, the situation took an even darker turn when NSCDC personnel heard the cries of a distressed young lady. Their swift response led to the rescue of a 15-year-old girl from the clutches of Mr. Daniel Mathew, who is now in custody and undergoing interrogation.
Commandant Igwebueze emphasized that a thorough investigation would determine the extent of each suspect’s involvement, followed by appropriate legal action.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any criminal activities or suspicious behavior in their neighborhoods to the NSCDC and other security agencies. Rest assured, all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
In conclusion, the NSCDC’s relentless commitment to safeguarding the environment and protecting the innocent underscores the importance of community cooperation in the fight against crime. “If you see something, please say something” is a call to action that can make a significant difference in keeping our communities safe.