In a recent House of Representatives Committee hearing on Mineral Resources, top military and police officials firmly denied allegations of providing security for illegal mining activities in Nigeria.
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police, responded to the query raised by Committee Chairman Hon. Jonathan Gaza, who cited reliable reports implicating the Armed Forces and the police in protecting illegal miners.
Represented by Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, Musa emphasized that the military only provides protection for legitimate mining operations, particularly in conflict-inflicted areas. "The Armed Forces of Nigeria are always ready to support efforts to combat illegal mining. We act upon legitimate requests and are not involved in protecting illegal activities," he asserted.
Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Ademola Hamzat, representing the IG, echoed this stance, stating, "The police provide security to individuals under serious threat, especially in terrorism-inflicted areas. We have no record or procedure that supports the protection of illegal mining sites."
Both officials called for specifics regarding any allegations, seeking clarity to address and investigate the claims thoroughly. "If there are allegations, we need to know the details to take appropriate action," they stressed.
The hearing underscored the commitment of the Armed Forces and police to upholding lawful practices and rejecting any involvement in illegal mining operations.
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