The leaders of the Nigerian military and police forces have categorically refuted allegations of their personnel being involved in providing security for illegal mining activities across the country. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Musa and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, made this assertion during a public hearing called by the House of Representatives Committee on Mineral Resources. The hearing, presided over by Jonathan Gaza, took place in Abuja.
Prompted by the committee’s query, which was based on what they considered to be “reliable reports” alleging the involvement of armed forces and police personnel in providing security to illegal miners, the security chiefs offered their response.
Representing the CDS, Nnaemeka Ilo, the Director of Operations at the Defence Headquarters, stated that the army only offers protection to licensed miners operating in conflict-affected areas and would ignore any illegal mining activities. He emphasized that the armed forces are prepared to provide support to halt illegal mining and work closely with relevant agencies and the Ministry of Mines in such operations. He dismissed the suggestion of collusion with illegal miners as completely false and invited anyone with allegations to come forth and present their case to the authorities for proper investigation.
On the other hand, the Inspector General of Police, represented by Ademola Hamzat, expressed that no responsible public institution would engage in activities that go against the interest of the people they serve. The police force provides security to individuals facing serious threats, especially in areas of conflict, but there is no evidence to support claims of providing protection to illegal mining sites.
Both the CDS and the Inspector General of Police reiterated that they operate within the confines of the law and are committed to upholding security and order within the nation.
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