LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has impounded three trucks carrying precious stones.
The state commandant of NSCDC, Muhammed Muazu, made the disclosure at a news briefing on 10 April, adding that the drivers were intercepted in Gusau on their way to Sokoto with no legal documents for security clearance.
Muazu said, “We have no problem with the drivers or vehicles, rather the owners were to provide necessary evidence that will permit them to engage in the business.”
He further explained that license to possess and purchase minerals, evidence of royalty payment, mineral title if the solid mineral is coming from a legal source, agent movement permit and mineral buying center certificate are requirements for every person or corporate body transacting mineral deposits.
The Commandant maintained that if those documents are not presented, the drivers and whosoever involved would be prosecuted while the truck and its content remain in custody of the Federal Government as the law stipulates.
He claimed the trucks impounded and their drivers have an ultimatum of seven days to provide legal documents for engaging in the act else they would be prosecuted.
The Commandant urged the National Union of Road Transport Workers to sensitize their members on the danger and legal implications of moving mineral resources without the necessary documents of the law by the Federal Ministry of Mining and Solid Minerals.
