Crackdown on Illegal Mining: New Mining Marshals on the Prowl
The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has issued a directive to the newly appointed mining marshals from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to eradicate illegal miners and enforce the nation’s mining laws.
During the inauguration of the first group of mining marshals from the NSCDC, Mr Alake underscored the significance of combatting illegal mining. He emphasized that 60 marshals have undergone specialized training and have been deployed to all 36 states within the federation, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister disclosed that the recently established Mining Marshal Corp, which currently comprises of 2,220 personnel, functions as a collaborative security unit aimed at securing the mining environment. Furthermore, plans are underway for the integration of officers from other security sister agencies into the corps across the country to enhance its efficiency.
Highlighting the pivotal role played by the ministry in supporting the operations of the mine marshals, the minister stressed the significance of effective intelligence gathering, harnessing valid data of troubled mining areas, and providing precise directives for the marshals’ operations. These are vital factors for the coordinated activities of the marshals and the success of their missions, he stated.
Prior to the inauguration, the minister held a closed-door meeting with the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, to discuss the security of the mining environment. Mr Badaru affirmed that the federal government had already initiated operations to eradicate illegal mining in certain areas.
In alignment with these initiatives, President Bola Tinubu established a presidential Inter-ministerial committee on January 17, charged with developing a blueprint for the protection of Nigeria’s natural resources. This also encompasses securing mineral sites, the marine economy, and the forest.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on these significant developments, shedding light on the proactive measures taken by the Nigerian government to enforce mining regulations and safeguard the country’s valuable natural resources.
In conclusion, the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining is evident through the establishment of the Mining Marshal Corp and the collaborative efforts among various security agencies. These initiatives serve to reinforce the protection of Nigeria’s valuable natural resources and ensure compliance with mining laws.
