THE Federal Government has inaugurated Mining Marshals alongside operational and utility vehicles to tackle the menace of illegal mining and economic sabotage across the nation. Mining Marshals, a unit created by the Commandant-General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Abubakar Audi, were drawn from the 36 States and FCT Commands of NSCDC, to be deployed to tackle activities of illegal miners in over 1,975 illegal mining sites across the country. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, speaking during the inauguration of the Marshals in Abuja, decried the menace of illegal mining in Nigeria, saying the creation of Mining Marshals was a good move to enhance the capacity of the officers and men to appropriately discharge the Corps’ statutory duties in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure. The commissioning coincided with the commemoration of the 2024 World Civil Defence Day with the theme: Honour Heroes and Promote Safety Skills as spelt out by the Secretary General of the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO). He decried the spate of illegal mining activities in the nation, affirming that over 1,975 illegal mining sites have been detected across the country.

Source: Nigerian Tribune March 02, 2024 21:55 UTC