Mining Police Force to Be Unveiled To Fight Illegal Miners

Federal Government plans to create a special police force to fight illegal miners in the country. The proposed police unit will be named the Mining Police Force.

Solid Mineral Minister, Dele Alake who announced the proposal on a television programme, said the mining police force would be placed under his ministry.

Alake said the proposed police force would extend its operations to the maritime and the blue economy.

The minister said the idea of the new police force came, following intelligence reports that illegal miners were behind the increased activities of armed bandits in parts of the country.

Read Also:

Alake Cautions Governors against Interfering In Mining Activities

In his words, “We found out through intelligence reports that some illegal miners are directly responsible for the upsurge of banditry in several parts of Nigeria.

That is why I have been working with the various security agencies and the National security adviser, the outfit we are coming up with, and the President is fully in support of this.

We are going to create a special police outfit. We’ll call it the Mining Police Force or the Mine Police.”

Mr. Alake further noted that the proposed security outfit will not be restricted to the mining sector, but its operation will cover marine and the blue economy.

He explained that the special police force will be controlled by the Ministry of Solid Minerals and its personnel will answer to those in the ministry.

Also, the minister said that the ministry has provided a 60-day grace widow for illegal artisanal miners to organize themselves to become bankable and ensure they pay royalties and taxes to the government.