WITH quest to drastically reduce illegal miners in the solid minerals sector, the Federal Government, on Friday, added 350 mining marshals to intensify the fight against the criminals.
The deployment was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, as the mining marshals had a Passing Out Parade at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, headquarters in Abuja.
Alake who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe, commended the flourishing cooperation and collaboration between the Ministries of Solid Ministry of Development and Ministry of Interior, appreciated the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and NSCDC for their collaboration and commitment in combating illegal miners.
He also said the deployment of 350 additional operatives to the mining marshals on ground who are doing a great job depicts the Tinubu-led administration’s determination and commitment to reposition the mining sector and restore investors’ confidence in the sector.
The minister also noted that their efforts have significantly reduced illegal mineral haulage and the activities of unlicensed operators nationwide and added that more support will be given to the personnel for greater achievement.
Meanwhile, it will be recalled that 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.
0
0
