The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has warned the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals to avoid involvement in illegal mining activities.
The minister gave the warning during the passing-out ceremony of the 3rd batch of newly trained mining marshals on Wednesday in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo, represented by Ahmed Ja’afaru, Secretary to the Civil Defense, Correctional Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), said that the board would not hesitate to sanction any erring personnel.
He warned the mining marshals to abide strictly by the code of conduct and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) guiding operations of the Corps.
He said that the training of the newly inducted mining marshals was an indicator that the NSCDC was on the right path to fulfilling its responsibilities.
The minister commended the NSCDC for its efforts in ensuring the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure across the country.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, said that the collaboration between both ministries had resulted to a significant change in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Alake, represented by Imam Ganiyu, Director, Federal Mines, said that there was need for intensified efforts to generate more revenue to the Federal Government and the establishment of job opportunities within the sector.
In his remarks, NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, said that the mining marshals codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo”, was established to provide security to the mining industry.
Audi said that an effective collaboration between security agencies and the ministries in charge of the protection of the mining sector, would help to drastically reduce illegal mining activities and dealings.
“Since their inauguration on March 1, the mining marshals have so far arrested over 300 suspects and recovered over 200 mining sites from illegal miners and bandits,” he said.
He said that there was need to deploy more sophisticated equipment for effective policing of the over 1000 detected illegal mining sites across the country.
While congratulating the graduants, the NCDC boss charged them to be diligent, loyal and focused, adding that there are internal mechanisms to monitor the activities of personnel.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the newly constructed offices of the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) and the mining marshals were inaugurated during the occasion.