*Photo: Mining Marshals during an exercise*
Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr Ahmed Audi has said over 200 mining sites have been recovered from bandits and illegal miners across the country following the inauguration of Mining Marshals by the Federal Government.
The Commandant General added that 300 suspects are cooling their heels behind the bars, while others are undergoing thorough investigation for economic sabotage by pillaging the solid mineral resources of the country.
Audi was commended for the feats by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake.
Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi, in a press statement said they spoke at the passing out parade of the 3rd batch of Mining Marshals at the headquarters of the Corps in Abuja.
The Minister of Interior praised the NSCDC boss for his doggedness for the deployment of highly trained and professional personnel to protect the nation’s critical national assets and infrastructure.
Tunji-Ojo was represented by the Secretary, Civil Defence, Correctional Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) Alhaji Ahmed Ja’afaru.
The Minister noted that with the level of rigorous training and knowledge-driven skills imparted on the Mining Marshals, there is hope and a future for the nation especially for the protection of its economic assets.
He expressed optimism that the NSCDC would play significant roles to enhance the security architecture of the country, and called on the NSCDC operatives to leverage the laudable opportunity and discharge their duties professionally.
Dr Dele Alake who was represented by the Director of Federal Mines and Steel; Engr Imam Ganiyu said a close look at the achievements recorded by the NSCDC under the current leadership showed that the collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Solid Minerals has brought about a significant change in the mining sector.
He further spoke on the need to intensify efforts to generate more revenue for the Federal government and create more jobs for the teaming youths.
The NSCDC Boss earlier reiterated that the mining Marshals codenamed ‘Operation Hayakin logo’ was commissioned to provide safety and security for the mining industry and effect the arrests of economic saboteurs.
He said the mining industry would soon experience a positive turnaround as the Corps would not relent in waging war against illegal mining activities across the board.
“Recall that over 300 suspects and over 200 mining sites have been recovered from illegal miners and bandits”, Dr Audi said.
Dr Audi declared that there had been a high level of compliance with mining laws and regulations in Nigeria as illegal miners, industry espionage and economic saboteurs all are being stamped out.
He advocated further collaboration in areas of training and retraining of personnel as well as provision of equipment for effective policing of the over 1000 detected illegal mining sites across the country.
