- The Chief of Defence Staff and Inspector General of Police denied allegations of providing security to illegal miners, emphasizing support for legitimate operations
- They clarified that military protection is only offered to licensed miners in conflict areas upon request from the Ministry of Mines
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, have denied allegations that security agents protect illegal miners in Nigeria.
During an investigative hearing by the House Committee on Mineral Resources, Gen. Musa, represented by the Director of Operations Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, clarified that security agents only offer protection to legitimate miners operating in conflict-affected areas upon request. He emphasized that the Nigerian Armed Forces are committed to supporting efforts to stop illegal mining.
“It is not our primary duty but part of our responsibility as per the constitution that whenever the civil authority asks us to do something, we have no obligation than to do that,” Gen. Musa stated. He assured the military is ready to assist all agencies combating illegal mining, including the civil defence, police, and the Ministry of Mines.
Gen. Musa categorically denied the allegations of military protection for illegal miners, calling them fallacies. He invited anyone with specific allegations to come forward so that appropriate actions could be taken. He explained that legitimate requests for military protection come through the Ministry of Mines, especially for licensed miners in conflict zones.
Similarly, IGP Egbetokun, represented by AIG Ademola Hamzat, stated that the police do not protect illegal mining activities. He explained that the police provide guards for individuals under serious threat, particularly in terrorism-affected areas, but these protections are only granted after thorough vetting.
“The police is a responsible organization paid by the public and would not do anything that would be against the people’s wish,” Hamzat said. He explained that the procedure for providing personal guards involves verifying the individual’s occupation and the reasons for needing protection.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Jonathan Gaza Gefbwi, mentioned reports alleging that some members of the security forces, including the armed forces and the police, were providing security for illegal miners. The CDS and the IGP strongly refuted these allegations, reaffirming their commitment to upholding the law and supporting efforts to eradicate illegal mining.