To give impetus to the government’s economic diversification efforts, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the military to flush out illegal miners.

Mining is a veritable source of revenue that can favourably compete with the income from oil.

Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Dele Alake has stepped up efforts to make the sector perform optimally in revenue generation for the country.

To discourage criminality, the minister inaugurated the Mining Guard, deployed at sites nationwide.

Nigeria is rich in gold, tin, and coal, among other solid minerals.

The activities of illegal miners are prevalent in the Northwest, especially Zamfara State; Northcentral, especially in Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau states; Southwest in Osun and Ondo, among others. 

Speaking yesterday when he received Course 32 participants of the National Defence College (NDC) at the State House, Abuja, the President said: ‘‘I recognise the need for the diversification of the economy, and we have been pushing hard on this.

“Your involvement will equally promote a better understanding of the issues.

‘‘We have challenges of scavengers and exploiters around the country.

“We must nip that in the bud, and you military officers understand this better than the civil society.”

A presentation from Course 32 participants of the NDC titled “Harnessing the Mining Industry for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035,” highlighted the need for diversification of the economy and the role of the mining industry in achieving this goal was made to the President.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu stressed the need for security agencies to deal with the problem of illegal miners.

The President commended the participants for their intellectual depth and knowledge of war and security.

He expressed his expectation that through the command of the security agencies, more resources would be made available to ensure a stable economic environment.

The Course 32 Participants were tasked with researching topical national issues.

Their findings during their 11-month study focused on the mining industry’s potential to contribute to national security and development.

Responding to the presentation delivered by Colonel Olajide Bello on behalf of the delegation, President Tinubu commended their work and reiterated the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy.

‘‘I have listened carefully to your presentation on the theme. Aside from your knowledge of war and security, I could see the intellectual depth of the work done to help the nation, and I must say thank you to all of you.

‘‘We expect that through your command, we will have more resources that we need to make sure we have a stable economic environment,’’ the President said. 

President Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration would ensure the completion of the NDC headquarters in Abuja.

Addressing the health implications of exploration activities during an interactive session, the President expressed concern over the well-being of those living near mining areas.

‘‘We must pay attention to that at the outset by providing medical centres and other facilities that will protect the lives, property and health of Nigerians,’’ President Tinubu said.

NDC Commandant, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the institution, established in 1992 as the National War College, has graduated 2,871 participants since its inception.

He disclosed that besides participants from 30 African countries, the college has had participants from Bangladesh, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Rear Admiral Olotu said through the President’s magnanimity, the college has embarked on unprecedented infrastructural upgrades, making the institution compete favourably with any other defence college in the world. 

However, he appealed to President Tinubu to assist in the completion of the college’s permanent site in Abuja, noting that the institution currently operates from its temporary facility in the Central Business District owing to the non-completion of its permanent site since 2010.

The 111 participants of NDC Course 32 were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as 19 international participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. 

The college undertakes in-depth studies on all factors that affect national security and development.

The research centre in the college known as the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies is also designated as the ECOWAS Training Centre of Excellence for Peace Support Operations at the strategic level.

Army arrests 12 illegal miners in Ondo

Operatives of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akure have arrested 12 persons who were engaged in illegal mining in Ondo State.

The operatives gathered that the actual kingpins of illegal mining in the state hail from Niger and Zamfara states.

Those arrested were Abdullahi Ibrahim, aged 40, Hassan Bala, aged 40, Alawude Damilarin, aged 36; Ajayi Ebukun, Oluwaseun Rufus, Adebayo James, Kamal Zaharadeen, Mohammed Bello Lawal, Yunusa Mohammed, Ma’azu Auwal, Bashir Muktar and Kabiru Sani.

Senior Special Assistant on Security to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mr. Olugbenga Atiba, who spoke when the suspects were paraded, said it was part of measures to curb illegal mining and other security challenges in the state.

Atiba said the illegal miners were arrested based on credible intelligence.

He said: “We had our men deployed across the three senatorial districts of Ondo, penetrating deep into the jungles to prevent kidnapping and make arrests where possible.

“We know the destruction that has been caused in Niger State by these illegal miners. The kingpins are from Niger and Zamfara.

“Upon discovering these illegal activities, immediate actions were taken.

“One of the first steps was conducting a reconnaissance to establish the presence of these illegal miners. We have now stationed security men throughout the state.

“We have also identified some individuals, including some local leaders, who are involved in these activities and causing problems.

“However, at the state government level, we are addressing this through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.”

Ondo Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe, called for mining stewardship not to be on the exclusive list.

Four more bodies recovered from mining pit collapse

Also yesterday, the bodies of the remaining four trapped miners in Galadima-Kogo community of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger were recovered.

Alhaji Umaru Aliyu, Village Head of Galadima-Kogo, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna.

NAN reports that 14 persons lost their lives in the incident, while eight were rescued with various degrees of injuries on June 14.

Aliyu said the remaining four miners were recovered on Wednesday, adding that their bodies were deposited at IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna mortuary.

“The dead bodies of the remaining four persons that were trapped inside the pit have been recovered and their bodies have been deposited in the mortuary in Minna.

“They are two Muslims and two Christians. Among the Christian victims, one is from Nasarawa state and one is from Zumba (Shiroro LG).”

“The one from Nasarawa, his family has demanded that his body be taken there for burial, while the remaining Christian and the two Muslims will be buried in Minna on Friday,” he said.

Aliyu said the bodies were recovered through collaboration between the community and staff members of the African Minerals and Logistics Ltd.