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The Federal Government has deployed additional 350 mining marshals to various parts of the country for effective safeguarding of the nation’s mineral resources.
Government had earlier inaugurated the first batch of 2,220 mining marshals to secure mining sites.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the deployment of additional mining marshals underscores Federal Government’s commitment to reforming the mining sector.
Alake, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mary Ogbe, at the passing out parade of the new mining marshals at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja, lauded the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, corps for their collaboration in combating illegal mining.
Highlighting the successes recorded by the mining marshals, the minister noted that their efforts have significantly reduced illegal mineral haulage and the activities of unlicensed operators nationwide.
He said over 200 illegal mining suspects have been arrested, with 133 prosecutions ongoing, and confiscated illegally mined minerals forfeited to the federal government.
“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,” Alake said.
In his remarks, NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Abubakar Audi, revealed that the new operatives underwent an intensive eight-week training programme, preparing them to strengthen the mining marshals’ operations and intensify efforts against illegal miners nationwide.
Minister of Interior, Tunji-Ojo, emphasised that the mining marshals are a product of successful collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and his ministry.
He highlighted 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 ground, but we must continue training and deployment to protect our mining areas and ensure our nation reaps the full benefits of its solid minerals for economic development,” the minister said.
The induction of the new operatives brings the total number of specially trained and kitted mining marshals deployed nationwide to 2,570.