Halogen Security, a Nigerian security risk management firm, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have unveiled a joint public-private security model aimed at curbing illegal mining and safeguarding mineral resources. The initiative was announced at the 8th edition of the Lagos PR Clinic, a forum bringing together government agencies, security bodies, private-sector stakeholders, academia, and industry representatives. The discussions centered on addressing criminal activities, illegal mining, and vandalism in mining corridors, emphasizing the need for enhanced coordination among public institutions, licensed security providers, businesses, and host communities. Adedotun Keshinro, Lagos State commandant of the NSCDC, underscored that mining security extends beyond individual sites to encompass host communities, economic assets, and environmental interests, necessitating a shift from fragmented operations to integrated responses.
Keshinro called for tighter alignment among security agencies, regulators, private operators, and communities to tackle persistent illegal mining despite enforcement efforts. Bosun Sosanya, Halogen’s executive director for operations and services, emphasized that private security providers should act as force multipliers for public institutions rather than operating in parallel. “At Halogen, we do not see our role as separate from that of the state,” he stated, advocating for joint training, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen collaboration. Onoja John Attah, commander of the NSCDC mining marshals, highlighted the Corps’ nationwide efforts to combat illegal mining through coordinated interventions and intelligence-led operations, framing these as critical to improving enforcement outcomes.
Panelists at the event, including Femi Kayode (ASIS chairman), Charles Keku (Pahek Security Services managing director), Franklin Okpara (Unilever chief security officer), and others, identified gaps in intelligence sharing, community engagement, and technology adoption as barriers to effective mining security. They recommended formalized information-sharing channels, joint capacity-building programs, and expanded use of surveillance and reporting technologies across mining corridors. For Halogen, the initiative aligns with its broader strategy of collaborative security to protect critical assets while supporting sustainable mineral resource development. Participants noted that sustained partnerships could enhance enforcement, reduce losses from illegal mining, and stabilize sector revenues.
The Lagos PR Clinic’s focus on collaborative security reflects growing recognition of the sector’s vulnerabilities and the need for systemic reforms. With illegal mining linked to environmental degradation, revenue loss, and community displacement, the NSCDC and Halogen’s model seeks to address these challenges through structured cooperation. The event also underscored the importance of balancing private-sector expertise with public oversight to ensure accountability and transparency. As Nigeria’s mining sector faces increasing scrutiny, the success of this partnership could set a precedent for similar initiatives nationwide.
Halogen and NSCDC Launch Collaborative Security Initiative to Combat Illegal Mining in Nigeria