By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have restated their dedication to combating the menace of illegal mining across the nation, according to a press statement from the Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, National Headquarter, Abuja, Wednesday.
This commitment was reaffirmed by the Mining Marshals Commander, Assistant Commandant John Attah, at the National Headquarters of the Corps in Abuja.
According to Attah, the Squad made significant strides in 2024, breaking through cartels and overcoming challenges to protect the nation’s economy from saboteurs in the mining sector.
The Commander attributed these successes to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the protection of the nation’s natural resources.
Attah hinted that the Mining Marshals have developed strategies to prevent sharp practices in the mining arena, leveraging the collaborations between the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the NSCDC.
This partnership led to the launch of the Specialized Mining Marshals by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, on March 21, 2024.
The Commander revealed that over 2,509 special forces have been trained and deployed to the 36 states of the Federation, including the FCT.
These personnel have been instrumental in dislodging illegal mining sites, arresting criminal elements, and conducting clearance operations to enhance security in mining areas.
Attah lauded the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for providing a conducive environment for officers to receive effective training.
This training has enabled the Squad to discharge their duties with professionalism, loyalty, and patriotism.
The Mining Marshals Commander expressed optimism about the Squad’s ability to “smoke out” illegal miners and their cartels without compromise.
With the strategies put in place by the Commandant General, the Squad is poised to renew its vigour and tackle the menace of illegal mining head-on.
