... Calls for establishment of Power Rangers to secure transmission lines, towersBy Palma Ileye
Federal Government has charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to take firm steps in ensuring the adequate protection of the power transmission lines, towers, transformers and other critical infrastructure and assets of the Government.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunjo-Ojo gave the charge during the Passing-Out Parade of the 2nd batch of Mining Marshals of NSCDC in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo who was visibly unhappy with the recurrent power outages in the country as a result of vandalisation of transmission lines described the menace of vandalism of national assets as economic sabotage that must be stopped.
Note, a total of 350 Mining Marshals graduated on Friday after eight months of intensive training and were ready for deployment to mining sites across the country.
According to reports, Nigeria has recorded more than six vandalisation of power transmission lines among others, between December 2023 and now.
He commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake for his partnership and collaboration with the Interior Ministry which has resulted in the creation of Mining Marshals.
He explained that NSCDC decided to train the second batch of the Mining Marshals, following the positive results from the first batch who had been earlier deployed, leading to increased revenue generation and improved security for legal miners.
He said, “We want to assure all key players in other critical sectors of our economy, that the Ministry of Interior will ensure that the dream of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu comes alive in terms of protecting all critical national assets f this country.
“We will take it sector by sector. We will protect the power sector. We will secure the energy sector. I challenge you to rise up and protect the critical national assets of Nigeria. The rate of vandalism and and economic sabotage going on in our transmission lines need to be looked into. I will give you the leadership.
“It is not acceptable to destroy power assets. Today is an opportunity to solve tomorrow’s problem.”
While addressing the newly inducted Marshals, he emphasized that the Mining Marshals were a product of successful collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Ministry of Interior.
He highlighted the need for continued training and deployment to ensure comprehensive coverage of the country’s vast mining areas and to maximize the benefits derived from solid minerals.
“The progress made so far exemplifies effective collaboration. With this second batch, we have more personnel on the ground, but we must continue training and deploying to protect our mining areas and ensure our nation reaps the full benefits of its solid minerals, for economic development,” Tunji-Ojo added.
On his part, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake declared that the deployment of 350 additional operatives to the Mining Marshals underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming the Mining sector.
Alake who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, of Solid Minerals Development Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe lauded his Interior counterpart, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for their collaboration in combating illegal mining.
Highlighting the successes recorded by the Mining Marshals, the Minister noted that their efforts have significantly reduced illegal mineral haulage and the activities of unlicensed operators nationwide.
“Today’s Passing Out Parade of the second batch will further increase our numbers, ensuring wider coverage and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the squad. As we integrate and improve collaboration between mining marshals and Federal Mines Officers, FMO, across the country, we aim to intensify sector sanitization and boost investor confidence, leading to increased investments and development in the mining industry,” Alake stated.
In his remarks, NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Abubakar Audi revealed that the new operatives underwent an intensive 8-week training program, preparing them to strengthen the Mining Marshals’ operations and intensify efforts against illegal miners nationwide.
Audi stated that the nation’s security, especially the mining sector was being threatened by the nefarious activities of illegal miners, bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, etc, a situation that has led to a major setback in the development of the country’s otherwise very lucrative mining sector which is very critical to the country’s socio-economic development.
He said that the rigorous training was meant to sharpen their skills and competencies for the task of strengthening security in the Mining Industry.
He noted that the training underscores not only NSCDC preparedness and determination in safeguarding the Mining sector which was a “goldmine capable of turning around the economy of this great country but also our commitment to Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy to enhance economic growth and development.”
He added, “There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundance of mineral resources which if properly tapped and managed, could significantly boost Nigeria’s revenue base which represents another giant stride towards stabilising the economy.
“Taking against this backdrop, the need to put in place adequate security measures towards strengthening security and safeguarding our collective patrimony cannot be overemphasised.”
According to him, there was a need for a robust policy guideline backed by legislation, for robust regulatory measures to combat and criminalise illegal mining further noting that, “This measure will no doubt attract and encourage genuine investors, both indigenous and foreign to the Mining industry.”
It will be recalled that since the inauguration of the first batch of 2,220 Mining Marshals, over 200 illegal mining suspects have been arrested, with 133 prosecutions underway, and confiscated illegally mined minerals, forfeited to the Federal Government.