In fulfilment of his pledge to create a new security architecture to secure mining sites, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, DELE ALAKE has charged the 2,220-strong mines marshal to smoke out illegal miners and all those who flout the nation’s mining laws.

Formally receiving the marshals drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, ALAKE charged the new operatives to stem theft and all evil activities around the nation’s mineral resources so that the nation can reap maximum benefits from its God-given resources.

ALAKE disclosed that talks are on with the Ministry of Police Affairs to boost the marshals with more men.

With a command structure spread across the 36 states and the FCT, the mines marshal will have their command and control domiciled in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, with an initial 60 operatives deployed in each state and Abuja.

The mines marshal devised to be an inter-agency security outfit will incorporate special operatives from other security agencies like the Nigeria Police, and the army, amongst others.