Nigerian Govt backs Mining Marshals amid police feud that killed operative
Nigerian government has backed Mining Marshals amid feud with police that resulted in death of an operative. Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake warned against economic sabotage, describing Mining Marshals as critical to sanitizing the solid minerals sector.
Police arrested three NSCDC operatives over a colleague's death and allegedly traced over N2 billion to the suspect's bank account. However, Mining Marshals commander John Onoja dismissed police claims as false, blaming foreign elements for the operative's death.
Alake claimed those opposing Mining Marshals "are direct beneficiaries of the illicit mining ecosystem that has for years deprived the nation of substantial revenue." He emphasized the Federal Government's unwavering support for Mining Marshals and promised to provide necessary resources for their operations.
"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," Alake declared.
This feud highlights ongoing tensions in Nigeria's efforts to curb illegal mining, which the government estimates has cost the nation billions in lost revenue while undermining legitimate operators in the crucial solid minerals sector.