The Nigerian government has reacted to the feud between the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals which resulted in the death of an operative.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on Wednesday, warned individuals and groups against economic sabotage.
Recall that the police had arrested three NSCC operatives over a colleague’s death and allegedly traced over N2 billion to the suspect’s bank account.
However, Commander of Mining Marshals of the NSCDC, John Onoja dismissed claims made by the police as false.
He fingered the foreign elements and their conspirators for the death of the Mining Marshal operative.
Reacting, Alake described the Mining Marshals as a critical component of the Federal Government’s efforts to sanitize the solid minerals sector and maximize its contribution to national economic growth.
According to him, many of those opposing the activities of the Mining Marshals are direct beneficiaries of the illicit mining ecosystem that has for years deprived the nation of substantial revenue and undermined legitimate operators in the sector.
“The Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes in curbing illegal mining operations and protecting the nation’s mineral resources.
“It is therefore not surprising that those who have profited from illegality are uncomfortable with their achievements and are resorting to campaigns of blackmail and misinformation,” he said.
Alake stressed that the Federal Government remains unwavering in its support for the Mining Marshals and would continue to provide the resources, logistics and institutional backing required for them to effectively discharge their mandate.
“Anyone, whether a uniformed personnel or a civilian, who seeks to frustrate the noble work of these Mining Marshals is an economic saboteur and will be treated as such. That I can promise you,” the minister declared.
