The Federal Government has reaffirmed its support for the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, commending the operatives for their dedication and sacrifices in the ongoing crackdown against illegal mining activities across the country.
The commendation was given on Wednesday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during the inauguration of eight newly acquired gun trucks for the Mining Marshals at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
Alake described the activities of the Mining Marshals as vital to the Federal Government’s broader strategy aimed at sanitising Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, curbing illegal mining operations and boosting the sector’s contribution to national economic development.
According to the minister, the marshals have continued to demonstrate professionalism, courage and patriotism in the face of growing threats posed by illegal mining syndicates operating in different parts of the country.
He noted that the Federal Government was fully satisfied with the performance of the special security unit and had therefore passed a vote of confidence on the officers for their commitment to protecting the nation’s mineral resources.
Alake said illegal mining had for years deprived Nigeria of enormous revenue, encouraged environmental degradation and fuelled criminal activities in several mining communities, adding that the current administration remains determined to reverse the trend.
He explained that the establishment and strengthening of the Mining Marshals form part of ongoing reforms designed to restore order, transparency and accountability within the solid minerals industry.
The minister stated that the newly inaugurated gun trucks would further enhance the operational capacity of the marshals, improve rapid response capabilities and strengthen enforcement operations in illegal mining hotspots nationwide.
He praised the officers for working under difficult and dangerous conditions, stressing that their sacrifices were contributing significantly to the government’s efforts to reposition the mining sector as a key driver of economic diversification.
“The Mining Marshals have shown uncommon commitment in the discharge of their duties. Their efforts are yielding positive results in the fight against illegal mining, and the Federal Government appreciates their sacrifices and patriotism,” Alake said.
He also issued a strong warning to individuals, groups and criminal networks attempting to obstruct or undermine the operations of the Mining Marshals, cautioning that the government would not tolerate any act capable of sabotaging ongoing reforms in the sector.
According to him, anyone found attacking, resisting or interfering with the marshals in the course of their lawful duties would face the full weight of the law. The minister stressed that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting legitimate investors and ensuring that mining activities are carried out in accordance with established regulations and global best practices.
He further urged licensed operators and mining communities to cooperate with security agencies and relevant government institutions in tackling illegal operations and safeguarding mineral-rich areas. Alake reiterated that the administration was determined to build a mining industry capable of generating employment opportunities, attracting foreign investment and increasing revenue generation for the country.
Observers say the renewed support for the Mining Marshals reflects the growing importance of the solid minerals sector in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, especially amid efforts to reduce dependence on crude oil revenues.
Illegal mining has long been identified as a major challenge confronting the sector, with authorities repeatedly expressing concerns over revenue losses, environmental destruction, smuggling of mineral resources and insecurity linked to unregulated mining activities.
In recent years, security agencies have intensified raids on illegal mining sites across several states, leading to arrests, confiscation of equipment and prosecution of suspects involved in unlawful extraction of mineral resources. Stakeholders in the industry have also called for stronger enforcement mechanisms, improved surveillance and increased collaboration between government agencies and host communities to effectively combat illegal mining.
The inauguration ceremony at the NSCDC headquarters attracted senior government officials, security personnel and stakeholders within the mining industry, many of whom applauded the Federal Government’s continued investment in strengthening enforcement structures within the sector.
With the deployment of additional operational vehicles and increased government backing, the Mining Marshals are expected to intensify efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks and ensure that Nigeria’s vast mineral resources are harnessed for national development.
