Defence Chief, Police IG Refute Protecting Illegal Mining Sites

The Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, refuted yesterday that the Army and Police provide security for illegal mining sites and miners in the country.

The Security Chiefs addressed the issue of illegal mining during a hearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Mineral Resources, chaired by Hon. Jonathan Gaza, with stakeholders on illegal mining in Abuja.

Reacting to a question by the Committee Chairman that the security forces were providing security for illegal miners based on reliable reports, the Chief of Defence Staff, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Defence Headquarters, denied the accusations.

Speaking at the meeting, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo clarified that security forces only protect legal miners operating in areas of conflict.

He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria are ready to contribute all the essential resources needed to combat the issue of illegal mining.

 While stopping illegal mining is not our main responsibility, the constitution obliges us to assist civilian authorities when called upon.

 “In the fight against illegal mining, the Armed Forces stand ready to fully support all involved agencies, such as civil defence, police, and the Ministry.

Also, the IGP, who was represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Ademola Hamzat, affirmed that no responsible organisation paid by the public would do anything that would be against the wishes of the people.

He said, The police do provide security for individuals facing serious threats, particularly in areas affected by terrorism. However, I want to be absolutely clear: we have no involvement in protecting illegal mining sites.