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FG Adds 350 Mine Marshals to Combat Illegal Minning
The federal government has deployed 350 additional operatives to the mining sector, a special operation under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), called ‘Mining Marshals’ to combat illegal mining in Nigeria.
The new operatives were inducted during the Passing Out Parade at the NSCDC headquarters today in Abuja.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunjo-Ojo, commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, for his partnership and collaboration with the Interior Ministry which has resulted in the creation of Mining Marshals.
He explained that NSCDC decided to train the second batch of the Mining Marshals, following the positive results from the first batch who had been earlier deployed, leading to increased revenue generation and improved security for legal miners.
“We want to assure all key players in other critical sectors of our economy, that the Ministry of Interior will ensure that the dream of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu comes alive in terms of protecting all critical national assets.
“We will take it sector by sector. From power, energy and ot critical sectors. I challenge you to rise up and protect the other national assets in the country. The rate of vandalism and and economic sabotage going on in our transmission lines need to be looked into. I will give you the leadership.
“It is not acceptable to destroy power assets. Today is an opportunity to solve tomorrow’s problem” he said.
On his part, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, affirmed that the revenue in the mineral sector has improved after the introduction of NSCDC Mining Marshals.
Alake, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Mary Adah Ogbe, praised the collaborative efforts of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in combating illegal mining activities.
Her words: ”The accomplishments of the mining marshals in significantly reducing illegal mineral haulage and unauthorized activities of operators nationwide cannot be overemphasised.
”Since the inauguration of the initial 2,220 mining marshals, we have made progress with over 200 arrests of illegal mining suspects, 133 prosecutions in progress, and confiscated minerals forfeited to the federal government.
”The Passing Out Parade of the second batch of mining marshals will bolster our numbers, ensuring broader coverage and enhancing the squad’s operational efficiency
”By fostering collaboration between mining marshals and Federal Mines Officers (FMO) nationwide, we aim to enhance sector cleanliness, build investor trust, attract more investments, and stimulate development in the mining industry.
”With the induction of the new operatives, the total number of specially trained and equipped mining marshals deployed across the country now stands at 2,570.”
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, stated that the nation’s security, especially the mining sector is being threatened by the nefarious activities of illegal miners, bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, etc, a situation that has led to a major setback in the development of the country’s otherwise very lucrative mining sector which is very critical to the country’s socio-economic development.
He said the passing out parade and inauguration of the second batch of Mining Marshals for immediate commencement of operations was coming after they had undergone eight (8) weeks of intensive and rigorous training meant to sharpen their skills and competencies for the task of strengthening security in the Mining Industry.
He noted that the training underscores not only NSCDC preparedness and determination in safeguarding the mining sector which is a “goldmine capable of turning around the economy of this great country but also our commitment to Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy to enhance economic growth and development”.
“there is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundance of mineral resources which if properly tapped and managed, could significantly boost Nigeria’s revenue base which represents another giant stride towards stabilising the economy.
“Taking against this backdrop, the need to put in place adequate security measures towards strengthening security and safeguarding our collective patrimony cannot be overemphasised,” Audi added.
According to him, there is a need for a robust policy guideline backed by legislation, for robust regulatory measures to combat and criminalise illegal mining.
“This measure will no doubt attract and encourage genuine investors (both indigenous and foreign) to the mining industry,” he noted.
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