The Federal Government has strengthened its campaign against illegal mining with the inauguration of eight operational gun trucks for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, aimed at enhancing enforcement operations and safeguarding the nation’s solid mineral resources.
The vehicles were unveiled alongside a commemorative publication titled “The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service by the Mining Marshals,” which highlights the achievements and milestones recorded by the specialized unit since its establishment.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Mining Marshals, assuring the unit that additional technological equipment and armoured vehicles would be provided as funding becomes available through future budgetary allocations.
Alake praised the performance of the Mining Marshals, revealing that the unit has arrested more than 300 illegal miners, prosecuted over 150 suspects, and secured several convictions involving both Nigerian and foreign nationals within the past two years.
According to the minister, the Marshals have become a critical component of the government’s strategy to protect Nigeria’s mineral wealth, strengthen regulatory compliance, and drive economic diversification through increased revenue generation from the solid minerals sector.
He warned that individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining or attempting to frustrate government efforts in the sector would face severe legal consequences, describing such activities as acts of economic sabotage against the nation.
Representing the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin commended the growing collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. He noted that the partnership has significantly enhanced the protection of Nigeria’s mineral assets and pledged continued support through improved training, funding, and operational capacity for the Mining Marshals.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, represented by Deputy Commandant General Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, described the support received from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as unprecedented. He assured stakeholders that the newly commissioned gun trucks would be effectively deployed to strengthen ongoing operations against illegal mining activities across the country.
Also speaking, the National Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Attah Onoja, expressed appreciation to both ministries for the logistics support, noting that the additional operational assets would substantially improve the unit’s effectiveness in combating illegal mining.
Onoja called on Nigerians to support the government’s efforts to eradicate illegal mining, stressing that the unauthorized exploitation of mineral resources amounts to the theft of national wealth. He further urged sustained collaboration among security agencies to reinforce enforcement actions and ensure greater accountability within the mining sector.
The deployment of the gun trucks marks another milestone in the Federal Government’s broader strategy to curb illegal mining, improve security in mining communities, and maximize the economic benefits of Nigeria’s vast solid mineral resources.
