Over 300 illegal miners have been arrested and more than 150 suspects prosecuted by Mining Marshals while securing conviction of a large number over the last two years.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who disclosed this in Abuja, during the commissioning of gun trucks, promised to treat those who still indulge in illegal mining activities as enemies of the state in accordance with the law.
In a bid to improve operational capabilities of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals, in the fight against illegal mining, eight gun trucks have been launched to further boost the capabilities of mining marshals in the country.
Speaking during the ceremony, Alake said the mining marshals have significantly contributed to the rise in revenue base of the country.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo who was represented by Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd), commended the support from Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to the Mining Marshals, noting that it has resulted in the protection of the country’s mineral resources
In his address the NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Abubakar Audi, represented by DCG Technical Services, DCG Zakari Ningi, said the corps will continue to work and cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, assuring that the gun trucks will be used for the purposes they are meant for.
Nigerians have been urged to support the fight against illegal miners as the activities of unregistered mining operators constitute theft of the commonwealth.
Highlight of the event was the unveiling of a book, titled “The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service” by the mining marshals.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
