The Federal Government has assured that more weapons and equipment will be provided to strengthen the firepower of the Mining Marshals, a special unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) tasked with combating illegal mining.
In a statement signed by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister condemned the killing of an NSCDC officer during an operation against illegal miners in Niger State. He vowed that those responsible would be tracked down and prosecuted.
“The illegal miners responsible for the murder of the gallant officer in active service will be made to face the full wrath of the law. Their arrest and prosecution will send the right signal that this administration maintains zero tolerance for all forms of illegal mining and will do everything possible to defend its agents from murder,” Alake said.
He explained that the Mining Marshals, established to enforce compliance with mining laws, will not be deterred by the attack, which also saw one operational vehicle set ablaze. He stressed that the government remains committed to securing the sector, protecting legal miners, and safeguarding mining communities.
Alake added that the ongoing Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town has attracted massive investor interest in Nigeria, making it imperative to sustain confidence in the sector by crushing violent actors.
It will be recalled that the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Aniviye, confirmed the death of one personnel and the burning of a patrol vehicle in the attack at Zuzungi, Kataeregi, Katcha LGA. Deputy Superintendent of Corps Rabiu Muti said the incident occurred around 12:30 am on February 11th, when the patrol team attempted to intercept individuals suspected of smuggling illegally extracted minerals.
This development underscores the government’s resolve to intensify its crackdown on illegal mining while reinforcing security measures to protect officers on duty.
By Palma Ileye, Abuja
