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By Tracy Moses
The Federal Government has vowed to bring to justice those responsible for the killing of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer during a crackdown on illegal mining in Niger State.
Reacting to the tragic incident, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the perpetrators would be “smoked out” and made to face the full weight of the law.
He further disclosed that additional weapons and operational equipment are being procured to strengthen the firepower of the Mining Marshals in the ongoing fight against illegal mining across the country.
“The illegal miners responsible for the murder of the gallant officer in active service will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Their arrest and prosecution will send the right signal that this administration maintains zero tolerance for all forms of illegal mining and will do everything possible to defend its agents from murder,” Dr. Alake said.
The Minister added that relevant security and intelligence agencies have been placed on red alert to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those behind the attack.
Alake, who established the Mining Marshals, a special enforcement unit drawn from the NSCDC to enforce compliance with mining laws and curb illegal operations, described the killing and the burning of the agency’s operational vehicle as a criminal act that would not deter the government’s resolve.
“The administration remains committed to sanitising the mining sector, protecting legitimate investors and host communities, and crushing violent actors undermining reforms in the industry,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted that the growing investor interest in Nigeria’s mining sector, showcased at the ongoing Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town, underscores the need to sustain confidence and security in the sector.
Confirming the incident, Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, said one officer was killed and an operational vehicle set ablaze during an attack by suspected illegal miners at Zuzungi in Kataeregi, Katcha Local Government Area.
Deputy Superintendent of Corps, Rabiu Muti, said the attack occurred around 12:30 a.m. on February 11, as a joint patrol team attempted to intercept individuals suspected of illegally smuggling minerals from the area.
The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to rid the mining sector of criminal elements and ensure that illegal mining no longer thrives under its watch.