As part of plans to ensure the Nations mineral resource is protected, the Nigerian government has commenced moves to stop the illegal activities of Chinese and other artisanal miners across the country.
The development was revealed following an interview granted to PREMIUM TIMES by a senior official of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
The official revealed that the government has set up a special mining surveillance team for the purpose.
In his words, “The government has set up a special mining surveillance team that goes into the forest in different states to monitor those who are behind illegal mining activities.
They started fully this year to see how best they can stop activities.
He disclosed that the team consists of EFCC, Immigration officers, Customs and all other members of security parastatals, opining that it's better to rescue this country because illegal mining is killing us.