🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Federal Government backs Mining Marshals, warns illegal miners
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Federal Government has expressed confidence in the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, commending their service in combating illegal mining. Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, praised the marshals during the inauguration of eight new gun trucks at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. He highlighted their commitment to sanitizing the solid minerals sector and maximizing its contribution to national economic growth. The Minister warned individuals and groups attempting to undermine the marshals' operations, stating they would face legal consequences. He noted that those opposing the marshals often benefit from illicit mining, which deprives the nation of revenue. Alake affirmed the Federal Government's unwavering support, promising resources and institutional backing. He declared that anyone obstructing the marshals' work would be considered an economic saboteur. The new gun trucks aim to strengthen the unit's operational capacity to dismantle illegal mining sites and secure mineral assets. Alake reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning the solid minerals sector for economic diversification and urged stakeholders, traditional institutions, host communities, and security agencies to support the Mining Marshals. He warned that aiding illegal mining would lead to investigation and prosecution.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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