Tasked with the mission to crack down on illegal miners and enforce mining regulations in Nigeria, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has issued orders to marshals from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
During the inauguration of the initial group of marshals assigned to combat illegal mining activities, Alake emphasized the importance of the directive.
A total of 60 marshals have been specifically trained and sent out to all 36 states in addition to the Federal Capital Territory.
The newly formed Mining Marshal Corp, presently comprising 2,220 personnel, serves as an interdisciplinary security unit established to safeguard mining sites.
Alake highlighted plans to have officers from other security agencies across the nation incorporated into the unit’s framework for enhanced effectiveness.
The minister underscored the ministry’s crucial support role in ensuring the success of the marshals’ operations.
He emphasized the significance of efficient intelligence gathering by the mines inspectorate, the consolidation of accurate data on problematic mining areas, and the issuance of precise operational instructions for effective coordination of the marshals’ activities.