The Federal Government has inaugurated 350 additional Mine Marshals to enhance security in mining environments nationwide. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, inaugurated the operatives at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Headquarters in Abuja. These marshals aim to curb illegal mining activities and enforce mining laws to sanitize the sector.
Following the inauguration, the total number of Mine Marshals in the country now stands at 2,570. The initiative has already proven successful with over 200 suspects arrested and 133 prosecuted. Additionally, two foreigners have been convicted for illegal mining operations.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, NSCDC, and Interior Ministry has resulted in effective measures to combat illegal mining. Continuous training and deployment of marshals will ensure comprehensive coverage of mining areas, boosting investor confidence and economic development in the solid minerals sector.