Illegal mining: Marshals seeks state governments, stakeholders collaboration
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have called on state governments and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the troop to curb illegal mining across the nation.
The Mining Marshal Commander, Attah Onoja made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
Onoja said that there was a need for Nigerians to see the drive towards ensuring a sanitised mining sector as a national agenda.
“We advise Nigerians, security agencies, civilians, industry players, politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders amongst others, to understand that it is not an NSCDC, individual, religious or ethnic agenda.
“There is also the need for more sensitisation within the security architecture to foster an understanding of national interest because until we all see it that way, we will be having pockets of misunderstanding on the line of duty.
“We have however always used wisdom and diplomacy to manage these misunderstandings if and when they arise.
“And it is on that note that patriotism is required of everybody, irrespective of your uniform, state and political party because a good and better Nigeria is a good and better Nigeria for all,” he said.
The commander, while urging state governments to actively partner with the mining marshals, said that a few states had acknowledged their efforts through prompt and efficient intelligence information gathering and sharing.
“We are however beginning to have promises in light of support and partnership from those who are appreciative of the way we work.
“And what we the mining marshals can assure states is that whatever is committed to our hands today that we are still in office, they can be sure of accountability, proper care as we have a culture to take good care of government property,” Onoja said.
He acknowledged that the challenges experienced during operations varied from community to community or state based on peculiarities and characteristics.
“Some illegal miners have the attitude of respecting law and order when they see a government agency; they respect them, while some have the instinct of resistance.
He said the marshal uses both kinetic and on-kinetic approaches in it’s operations for maximum results.
He appreciated the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr Dele Alake and the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi for working assiduously in equipping and empowering the marshals.
“The minister of Solid Mineral has assured us of logistic support, especially in the area of weaponry, technology and vehicular provisions.
“I can assure you that he is really working around the clock to ensure that this comes to pass as quickly as possible or in the earliest possible time so as to ensure the mining sector is sanitised,” said the commander
