The federal government has announced the deployment of 350 additional operatives to the mining marshals, a special operation under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The announcement was made by the minister of solid minerals, Dele Alake via Twitter.
The new operatives were inducted during the Passing Out Parade at the NSCDC headquarters.
Dr. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary, represented Alake at the event and praised the collaborative efforts of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in combating illegal mining activities.
Her words: ”The accomplishments of the mining marshals in significantly reducing illegal mineral haulage and unauthorized activities of operators nationwide cannot be overemphasised.
”Since the inauguration of the initial 2,220 mining marshals, we have made progress with over 200 arrests of illegal mining suspects, 133 prosecutions in progress, and confiscated minerals forfeited to the federal government. ‘
”The Passing Out Parade of the second batch of mining marshals will bolster our numbers, ensuring broader coverage and enhancing the squad’s operational efficiency.
”By fostering collaboration between mining marshals and Federal Mines Officers (FMO) nationwide, we aim to enhance sector cleanliness, build investor trust, attract more investments, and stimulate development in the mining industry.
”With the induction of the new operatives, the total number of specially trained and equipped mining marshals deployed across the country now stands at 2,570.”
