By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ebonyi State has uncovered and shut down a network of illegal fertiliser vendors operating across the state, as part of a broader crackdown on economic sabotage.
Francis Chika Nnadi, State Commandant of the Corps, disclosed on Wednesday during an interactive session with journalists at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Abakaliki. He warned that more arrests were imminent and reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to flushing out fake fertiliser dealers and illegal miners.
“These activities pose serious threats to public safety, food security, and environmental sustainability,” Nnadi said.
The commandant, who assumed office in November 2024 under the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasised that his mandate includes reforming and repositioning the Corps for optimal service delivery in safeguarding public assets, mediating civil disputes, and enforcing lawful resource management.
“Illegal mining operations, especially those without licenses or proper safety oversight, are dangerous and unacceptable,” he declared.
Nnadi revealed that the Corps is actively monitoring Enyigba in Ikwo Local Government Area, where reports of underground mining by a Chinese company had emerged. He assured that any illegal operations discovered would be shut down within 24 hours.
The NSCDC is working closely with the State Ministry of Solid Minerals, Federal Mines Officers, and relevant revenue agencies to ensure only authorised miners are allowed to operate while maintaining environmental standards.
On the rising circulation of adulterated fertilisers, the Commandant disclosed that several individuals had been arrested for producing and distributing fake agricultural inputs.
“Someone selling fake fertiliser is worse than an armed robber. You’re robbing poor farmers of their only means of survival,” he said.
To tackle the problem, Nnadi said the Corps was collaborating with the State Task Force on Fertiliser Distribution to apprehend and prosecute offenders.
As part of wider security reforms, the Corps has introduced several key interventions, including Agro Rangers Squad, To prevent herder-farmer conflicts, ining Marshals, to monitor lawful mining and prevent illegal operations, safe School Quick Response Unit A female-led digital security team tasked with protecting schools from attacks and kidnappings.
Other initiatives include the construction of a State-of-the-Art NSCDC Training School, a Crèche for staff welfare, and the Civil Defence Community Network, which currently has over 1,000 active grassroots intelligence volunteers.
“We urge residents to support our ‘Operation Know Your Neighbour’ campaign. Communities must begin to profile those they live with, as many criminals thrive due to a lack of scrutiny,” Nnadi emphasised.
He also warned vandals targeting public infrastructure including streetlights, bridges, and railings that the Corps would not relent in prosecuting offenders.
“Several suspects involved in vandalism and cult-related crimes have already been arrested and are facing prosecution,” he revealed. “Every day is for the thief, but one day is for the owner. Ebonyi cannot continue to lose public resources to criminal elements.”
Commandant Nnadi urged residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC office or through the Civil Defence Community network, assuring that all information would be treated with confidentiality and acted upon swiftly.