A civil society group, Motion for Financial Improvement (AED), on Tuesday, mentioned the 387 individuals arrested in reference to unlawful mining by the Armed Forces of Nigeria should be totally investigated to halt criminality within the mining sector.
That is as AED recommended the Armed Forces below the Chief of Defence Workers, Gen. Chris Musa, for supporting different safety companies in curbing unlawful mining.
Recall that the Chief of Defence Workers, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius, on Monday confirmed the arrest of the 387 suspected unlawful miners whereas showing earlier than the Home of Representatives Committee on Stable Minerals.
AED in a press launch on Tuesday lamented that criminals have continued to get away with the nation’s sources within the midst of hardship being confronted by Nigerians.
The press launch signed by the Convener, AED, Bilkisu Bello, mentioned the arrested people should be totally investigated to know these behind them.
In keeping with AED, “We learnt from NEITI that NIGERIA has misplaced about $46.16 billion (N16.25trillion) from oil theft as of 2022.
“It’s unlucky that this has now unfold to the mining sector with the affirmation by the Chairman, Home of Representatives Committee on Stable Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi, that unlawful mining actions in Nigeria are costing the nation about $9bn yearly.
“As a rustic, how can we proceed like this? It’s disturbing with the revelation by the CDS that foreigners are concerned within the financial crime.
“Extra disturbing is the influence on rapid surroundings the place the unlawful mining is happening.
“We use this chance to commend the Armed forces of Nigeria for what’s being accomplished to curb crude oil theft, and now supporting different safety companies to curb unlawful miners,” AED added.
