The federal government has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, issuing a stern warning that individuals and groups attempting to obstruct the unit's operations will face legal consequences.
Minister Alake Commissions New Gun Trucks
Solid Minerals Development Minister Dr. Dele Alake delivered the warning on Wednesday during the commissioning of eight new gun trucks acquired to bolster the activities of the Mining Marshals at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. The minister praised the specialised enforcement team for its critical role in tackling illegal mining across the country, stating that the unit has become an indispensable part of efforts to restore order in the solid minerals sector and enhance government revenue from mining activities.
Alake accused certain vested interests of orchestrating campaigns aimed at discrediting and intimidating officers of the unit. According to him, many of those opposing the Mining Marshals have profited from illegal mining operations that have deprived the nation of significant earnings over the years.
Successes and Challenges
“The Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes in curbing illegal mining operations 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 are resorting to campaigns of blackmail and misinformation,” he said.
The minister declared that the federal government would continue to provide the personnel, equipment, and institutional support needed to enhance the effectiveness of the enforcement team. He also issued a stern warning to anyone seeking to frustrate the work of the Mining Marshals.
“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,” the minister declared.
Alignment with Tinubu’s Agenda
Alake said the newly commissioned gun trucks would improve the unit’s mobility and response capability, enabling officers to better confront illegal operators and secure mining locations across the country. He added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda, which identifies the solid minerals sector as a key source of future growth and government revenue.
The minister emphasised that the administration remains committed to eliminating illegal mining and ensuring that Nigeria’s mineral resources are developed in a transparent and accountable manner. He called on traditional rulers, host communities, security agencies, and other stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to sanitise the sector. Alake warned that individuals found assisting illegal mining activities would be investigated and prosecuted in line with existing laws.
Earlier Incident
In a related development, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja, has challenged a police report that allegedly linked one of the unit’s operatives to over N2 billion in suspicious financial transactions following the death of an officer. Onoja described the report as inaccurate and misleading, insisting that the bank account cited in the publication did not contain transactions anywhere near the amount claimed.
