The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has announced the addition of 350 operatives to the mining marshals. This decision reflects the government’s dedication to reforming the mining sector.
During the passing-out-parade for the new operatives at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) headquarters, the minister, represented by the permanent secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the corps combatting illegal mining.
The minister highlighted the achievements of the mining marshals, citing a significant reduction in illegal mineral haulage and the activities of unlicensed operators nationwide. Since the inauguration of the first batch of 2,220 mining marshals, over 200 illegal mining suspects have been arrested, with 133 prosecutions underway, and confiscated illegally mined minerals forfeited to the federal government.
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Abubakar Audi revealed that the new operatives underwent an intensive 8-week training program to strengthen the mining marshals’ operations and intensify efforts against illegal miners nationwide.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized 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 induction of the new operatives brings the total number of specially trained and kitted mining marshals deployed nationwide to 2,570.
