By Udesinanna Stephen
The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has said it will unveil security outfit to counter illegal mining and protect the national mineral resources.
This was made known by the the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, while briefing the press recently.
According to him, the Mine police will be sourced from the Nigeria Police, and specially trained to detect illegal mining and apprehend offenders, adding that they will commence operation from October.
As gathered from the X handle of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi @TheTope_Ajayi, Alake said, “The new Mines Surveillance Security Task Force will coordinate the Mines Police and proactively address high-risk incidences of breach of Mining Laws. The Federal and State governments will also be encouraged to allocate the prosecution of cases against illegal miners to competent courts.”
Also, the Minister unveiled seven-point agenda, including “the creation of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation, Joint Ventures with Mining Multinationals, Big Data on specific seven priority minerals and their deposits, 30-day grace for illegal miners to join artisanal cooperatives, Mines Surveillance Task Force and Mine Police, Comprehensive review of all mining licenses and the creation of six (6) Mineral Processing Centers to focus on Value-Added products.”
