The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC Mining Marshals said it remains committed to fighting the menace of illegal mining activities across the country.
In a statement by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, CSC, Babawale Afolabi, the Mining Marshals Commander, AC John Attah says the Squad had made significant achievements by breaking through the cartels to salvage the nation from economic saboteurs in the mining sector.
The statement hints that, with the formation of the Inter Ministerial Committee on the protection of the natural resources including forestry and coastal shores, the Mining Marshals had put in place strategies to forestall sharp practices to achieve operational efficiency.
It commends the collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the NSCDC, which gave birth to the Specialized Mining Marshals launched by the Minister, Dr Dele Alake last year.
According to it, over two thousand five hundred and nine special forces have been trained and deployed to the thirty six states of the Federation, including the FCT.
The Combatant Mining Marshal Squad Leader appreciates the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi for providing a conducive atmosphere for officers to be trained and discharge their assigned duties with professionalism, loyalty and patriotism.
AC John Attah further explains that, the Squad had dislodged illegal mining sites, arrested criminal elements and conducted overt and covert clearance operations for enhanced security in mining areas.
The security operational plan according to him is to ensure that mining activities are conducted within the legal framework and protection of legitimate sites and citizens for growth and development of the nation.
Mr. Attah is optimistic that, the encouragement and strategies put in place by the CG will further renew the commitment of the Combatant Mining Squad to smoke out illegal miners and their cartels without compromised.
Daniel Karlmax
