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In a recent announcement, Honourable Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, revealed significant strides in the government’s campaign against illegal mining. Visiting the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Minister Badaru disclosed the commencement of clearance operations in affected regions, prompting illegal miners to evacuate.
According to Minister Badaru, the warning issued by the ministry has prompted the swift departure of illegal miners. He pledged reinforced security measures where necessary to ensure optimal operation of the mining sector, thereby maximizing national revenue.
Following a confidential meeting, Minister Alake stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, citing the deployment of 2,220 civil defence corps as part of the newly launched Mines Marshal initiative. Plans are in motion to incorporate personnel from related agencies into the initiative nationwide.
Minister Alake emphasized the Ministry’s intelligence-gathering role, utilizing state mines inspectorates to collect data on problematic areas and issue targeted directives for operations.
The introduction of the 60 Mines Marshal units, equipped with specially trained personnel and operational across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), represents the initial phase of the bolstered security framework for mining zones.