THE Kwara State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has declared war on illegal miners and unauthorised mining activities in the state.

Speaking during the inauguration of a 100-man unit of officers, tagged "Solid Mineral Defenders Unit" in Ilorin, the state commandant Mr. Augustine Obiekwe, said the new unit would check licences of all miners and inspect explosives to ascertain safety of users and host communities.

It will be recalled that a memorandum of understanding was signed recently between the ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Interior for the deployment of about 3,000 personnel of the NSCDC to monitor mining sites nationwide.

The commandant, who said that the corps would maintain a combatant team, called "Assault Team", to attend to emergencies at the mining sites in the state, added that it would maintain regular surveillance on areas of mineral deposits and monitor activities of miners in conjunction with other stakeholders in the state.

"In pursuance of the resolve and determination of the Federal Government to look into generation of alternative revenue sources besides petroleum, it became pertinent to re-evaluate, reinvigorate and monitor solid mineral sector of the economy.

Mr. Obiekwe, who said other stakeholders in the sector included the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, state Ministry of Industry and Solid Minerals and the state Ministry of Environment, added that the personnel would act as liaison officers between NSCDC and other stakeholders in the mining industry.

The commandant assured the personnel of their welfare and safety, charging them to put in their best in the national assignment. He also appealed to the stakeholders for their support and cooperation at ensuring that the Federal Government achieves its set objectives to guarantee better future for citizens.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Solid Mineral Development, Mallam Sheu Abdulrahman, said the inauguration was in tandem with the policy of the state government.

He said that Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed had directed his office to enumerate all informal miners in the state in order to form them into clusters and cooperative groups, leading to issuance of licences that would make their operations legal.