FG DECLARES WAR ON ILLEGAL MINERS, Backs Mining Marshals with Armed Gun Trucks

FG DECLARES WAR ON ILLEGAL MINERS, Backs Mining Marshals with Armed Gun Trucks

Warns Saboteurs, Criminal Syndicates to Stay Away or Face Full Force of the Law

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), warning illegal miners and their collaborators to steer clear of the nation's mineral resources or face severe legal consequences.

This declaration was made on Wednesday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during the commissioning of eight newly acquired gun trucks for the Mining Marshals at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.

The event marked another significant step in the Federal Government's ongoing campaign to stamp out illegal mining activities, strengthen enforcement operations, and reposition the solid minerals sector as a major contributor to Nigeria's economic growth and diversification agenda.

Speaking during the ceremony, Alake praised the Mining Marshals for their dedication, courage, and sacrifices in protecting the country's mineral assets from criminal exploitation. He described their efforts as instrumental in disrupting illegal mining networks that have for years deprived Nigeria of billions of naira in potential revenue.

According to the minister, the special enforcement unit has achieved remarkable success since its establishment, recording several arrests, shutting down illegal mining sites, and restoring confidence among legitimate operators within the sector.

"The Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes in curbing illegal mining operations and protecting the nation's mineral resources. Their efforts have strengthened government reforms aimed at sanitising the mining industry and ensuring that the wealth derived from our natural resources benefits all Nigerians," Alake stated.

The minister expressed concern over what he described as coordinated attempts by certain individuals and vested interests to undermine the activities of the Mining Marshals through intimidation, harassment, misinformation, and blackmail.

He noted that many of those attacking the operations of the Marshals are direct beneficiaries of illegal mining activities and are uncomfortable with the growing success of the government's enforcement drive.

"It is not surprising that those who have profited from illegality are uncomfortable with the achievements of the Mining Marshals and are now resorting to campaigns of blackmail and misinformation," he said.

In a strong warning, Alake declared that the Federal Government would not tolerate any effort to obstruct the work of the enforcement unit.

"Anyone, whether a uniformed personnel or a civilian, who seeks to frustrate the noble work of these Mining Marshals is an economic saboteur and will be treated as such. That I can promise you," he warned.

The minister explained that the deployment of the eight gun trucks forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Mining Marshals. The vehicles are expected to enhance rapid response operations, improve mobility in difficult terrains, and support efforts to dismantle illegal mining camps across the country.

He stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to transforming the solid minerals sector into a viable alternative source of national revenue, reducing dependence on oil earnings while creating jobs and investment opportunities.

According to Alake, achieving this vision requires a sustained crackdown on illegal mining activities, which continue to threaten environmental sustainability, national security, and economic development.

The minister therefore called on traditional rulers, host communities, security agencies, and other stakeholders to collaborate closely with the Mining Marshals in safeguarding the nation's mineral resources.

He emphasised that protecting Nigeria's vast mineral wealth is a collective responsibility and urged citizens to report suspicious mining activities within their communities.

Alake further warned that individuals, groups, or organisations found aiding, financing, or shielding illegal miners would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Federal Government's latest investment in security equipment for the Mining Marshals underscores its determination to tighten control over the mining sector and eliminate criminal elements exploiting the nation's resources for personal gain.