The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to combat illegal mining of solid minerals across Nigeria by inaugurating Mining Marshals within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, officiated the ceremony at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2024 International Civil Defence Day.
The Minister emphasized the importance of the Mining Marshals’ role in protecting mining sites nationwide, urging them to uphold their duties in accordance with global standards. Tunji-Ojo reiterated NSCDC’s pivotal role as the lead agency responsible for safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
In addition to protecting mining sites, the Marshals have been tasked with identifying and apprehending illegal miners. Tunji-Ojo stressed the necessity for collaboration among all security agencies to effectively combat insecurity in the country.
NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, highlighted the achievements of his administration, including the destruction of over 200 illegal refineries, arrest of over 500 suspects, and securing more than 200 convictions through the Special Intelligence Squad. Furthermore, NSCDC officers have been instructed to devise an actionable plan to curb vandalism of power installations, telecommunication lines, and solid minerals.
These measures underscore the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining activities and enhancing national security and infrastructure protection.