Abuja: 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 emphasized the importance of viewing the drive towards a sanitized mining sector as a collective national agenda.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Onoja urged Nigerians, including security agencies, civilians, industry players, politicians, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, to understand that the effort is not an NSCDC, individual, religious, or ethnic agenda. He highlighted the necessity for increased sensitization within the security architecture to foster an understanding of national interest, warning that without this perspective, misunderstandings could arise during operations. Onoja stressed the use of wisdom and diplomacy in managing any such misunderstandings and called for patriotism from all, regardless of uniform, state, or political affiliation, for the betterment of Nigeria.
The commander encouraged state governments to actively partner with the mining marshals, noting that some states have already acknowledged their efforts through prompt intelligence information gathering and sharing. Onoja reassured states that the mining marshals are committed to accountability and proper care of government property, promising transparency in their operations.
Onoja pointed out that challenges during operations vary between communities and states due to their unique characteristics. He noted that while some illegal miners respect law and order in the presence of government agencies, others demonstrate resistance. The marshals employ both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to achieve maximum results.
He expressed gratitude to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, for their efforts in equipping and empowering the marshals. Onoja mentioned that the Minister of Solid Mineral Development has assured logistic support, especially in weaponry, technology, and vehicular provisions, to ensure the mining sector is effectively sanitized.
