Mining Marshals on the Move*: NSCDC Intensifies Fight Against Illegal Mining, 200+ Sites Recovered

The Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, promises a mining industry turnaround as the Corps intensifies its fight against illegal activities. Over 300 suspects and 200 mining sites have been recovered.

Dr. Audi, made a vow to transform the mining industry at the Passing-out Parade of the 3rd batch of NSCDC Mining Marshals. at the National Headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja

He reaffirmed commitment to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing increased compliance with mining laws. He seeks collaboration on training, retraining, and advanced equipment to police over 1,000 detected illegal sites.

Audi charged personnel to remain diligent, loyal, and focused, noting internal monitoring mechanisms.

Earlier, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, has praised Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for his tireless efforts in deploying highly trained personnel to safeguard Nigeria’s critical infrastructure and assets .

Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized the significance of protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), stressing that it’s crucial for the nation’s economy . With the rigorous training and expertise imparted to the Mining Marshals, he expressed optimism about the country’s future.

In his remarks, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, highlighted the significant impact of collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and Federal Mines and Steel on the mining sector. He emphasized the need to intensify efforts to generate revenue and create jobs for Nigeria’s youth.

Adding that the NSCDC has made notable strides in combating illegal mining, with over 200 suspects arrested and 133 prosecutions underway. The deployment of 350 additional operatives to the mining marshals underscores the federal government’s commitment to reforming the mining sector .

Aluta News reports that the ceremony also marks the official inauguration of the offices of the CG’s SIS and Mining Marshals by dignitaries present.

The Mining Marshals, drawn from the NSCDC, will work with the Ministry’s Federal Mines Officers to combat illegal mining across the 36 states and Abuja .

This development underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening security in the mining sector. In fact, the Federal Government has unveiled a new security architecture, ‘Mines Marshal’, to curb insecurity in the mining industry.