Alake inaugurates 2,200 mine guards for improved revenue from solid minerals

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The Minister of Solid Mineral Resources, Mr Dele Alake, has inaugurated 2,200 mine guards in Abuja to ward off criminals, including kidnappers, around Nigeria’s mine sites.

Alake said the launching was in fulfillment of a major plank of his seven-point agenda to create a new security architecture to secure Nigeria’s mining sites nationwide.

According to the minister, “We unveiled a 2,200-strong Mines Marshal to smoke out illegal miners and all those who flout our nation’s mining laws.

“I formally received the marshals drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and charged them to stem theft and all nefarious activities around our mineral resources to ensure we reap maximum benefits from our God-given resources.

“The Mines Marshal, as part of the new security architecture, will have their command and control domiciled in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), with an initial 60 operatives deployed in each state and the FCT.”

The minister, however, commended his Interior Ministry counterpart, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for working tirelessly with his ministry to achieve this feat.

“I am pleased to launch the first batch of this security apparatus today. The Mines Marshal, an inter-agency security outfit, will also include special operatives from other security agencies and will operate with a focus on technological advancements,” he said.