The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect transmission lines and towers across the country.
This directive was issued by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunjo-Ojo, during the passing-out parade of the second batch of NSCDC mining marshals in Abuja on Friday.
Dr. Tunjo-Ojo commended the NSCDC for effectively protecting mining sites and instructed them to now focus on safeguarding power infrastructure. Nigeria has experienced at least six major instances of power infrastructure vandalism between December last year and now.
The minister emphasized, “We will take it sector by sector. We will protect the power sector. We will secure the energy sector. I challenge you to rise and protect Nigeria’s critical national assets. The vandalism and economic sabotage rate on our transmission lines must be addressed. It is your job to ensure that no critical government asset is destroyed. I will provide the necessary leadership.”
Additionally, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Mary Adah Ogbe, noted the improved revenue in the mineral sector following the introduction of the NSCDC Mining Marshals. Dr. Ogbe warned miners to formalize their operations or face legal consequences.
NSCDC Commandant General Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi highlighted the threats posed to the mining sector by illegal miners, bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists. He stated that these nefarious activities have significantly hindered the development of Nigeria’s lucrative mining sector.
“Given this backdrop, the need to implement adequate security measures to strengthen and safeguard our collective resources cannot be overemphasized,” said Dr. Audi.
The second batch of the Mining Marshal graduated with 350 personnel, ready to tackle these challenges.
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