Federal Govt Backs Mining Marshals, Warns Illegal Miners

The Federal Government has passed a vote of confidence on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, warning individuals and groups seeking to undermine their operations to desist or face the full weight of the law.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, issued the warning on Wednesday during the inauguration of eight newly acquired gun trucks for the Mining Marshals at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.

Alake commended the operatives for their commitment and sacrifices in the fight against illegal mining, describing their activities as critical to the Federal Government’s efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector and boost its contribution to national economic growth.

The minister expressed concern over what he described as deliberate attempts by vested interests to discredit, harass, intimidate and blackmail members of the special enforcement unit.

According to him, many of those opposing the Mining Marshals are beneficiaries of illegal mining activities that have deprived the country of substantial revenue and undermined legitimate operators in the sector.

“The Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes in curbing illegal mining and protecting the nation’s mineral resources. It is therefore not surprising that those who have profited from illegality are uncomfortable with their achievements and have resorted to campaigns of misinformation and blackmail,” he said.

Alake stressed that the Federal Government remains fully committed to supporting the unit and would continue to provide the logistics, resources and institutional backing needed to strengthen its operations.

“Anyone, whether a uniformed officer or civilian, who seeks to frustrate the work of the Mining Marshals is an economic saboteur and will be treated as such,” he declared.

He said the deployment of the eight gun trucks was part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the unit, improve rapid response capabilities and strengthen the protection of strategic mineral assets across the country.

The minister reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning the solid minerals sector as a key driver of economic diversification, noting that the government would not relent in its determination to eradicate illegal mining.

He also urged host communities, traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders to support the Mining Marshals in restoring order, transparency and accountability in the sector.

Alake warned that individuals found aiding or abetting illegal mining activities would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.