THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF AND INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE DENY ALLEGATIONS ON PROVIDING PROTECTION FOR ILLEGAL MINNERS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday denied allegations that the military and police provide security for illegal mining sites and miners in the country.

They made this denial at a hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Mineral Resources, chaired by Jonathan Gaza,

The CDS who was represented by the Director of Operations Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, and the IGP who was represented by
Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Ademola Hamzat, said they only provide protection for legitimate miners who operate in conflict-affected areas, upon request from the Ministry of Mines.

They emphasized that they do not support illegal mining activities and are willing to collaborate with relevant agencies to stop it.

For the Chairman of the committee, Gaza Jonathan, he assured that efforts are being made to address the issue.

Image credit: wikipedia.org