By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
In its efforts to curb illegal mining and create a safe mining environment, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has commissioned 350 additional
operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as mining marshals
This is happening barely three months after the first batch of 2,220 mining marshals were inaugurated in Abuja.
Speaking at the Passing Out Parade for the new marshals at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe, lauded his interior counterpart, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the NSCDC for their collaboration in combating illegal mining.
The Minister in a statement from the ministry noted that the deployment of 350 additional operatives to the mining marshals underscores the federal government’s commitment to reforming the mining sector.
Highlighting the successes recorded by the mining marshals, the minister noted that their efforts had significantly reduced illegal mineral haulage and the activities of unlicensed operators nationwide.
Since the inauguration of the first batch in March, over 200 illegal mining suspects have reportedly been arrested, with 133 prosecutions underway, and confiscated illegally mined minerals, forfeited to the federal government.
Speaking further, Alake said, “Today’s Passing Out Parade of the second batch will further increase our numbers, ensuring wider coverage and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the squad. As we integrate and improve collaboration between mining marshals and Federal Mines Officers (FMO) across the country, we aim to intensify sector sanitisation and boost investor confidence, leading to increased investments and development in the mining industry.”
In his remarks, NSCDC Commandant-General Dr. Abubakar Audi revealed that the new operatives underwent an intensive 8-week training programme, preparing them to strengthen the mining marshals’ operations and intensify efforts against illegal miners nationwide.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while addressing the newly inducted marshals affirmed that the Mining Marshals squad is a product of successful collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Ministry of Interior.
He stressed the need for continued training and deployment to ensure comprehensive coverage of the country’s vast mining areas and to maximise the benefits derived from solid minerals.
“The progress made so far exemplifies effective collaboration. With this second batch, we have more personnel on the ground, but we must continue training and deploying to protect our mining areas and ensure our nation reaps the full benefits of its solid minerals, for economic development,” he urged.
The induction of the new operatives brings the total number of specially trained and kitted mining marshals deployed nationwide to 2,570.