The Federal Government has strengthened its crackdown on illegal mining with the deployment of eight operational gun trucks to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, unveiled the vehicles in Abuja, describing the move as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security in mining communities and protect the nation’s mineral resources from illegal exploitation.
Alake stated that additional armoured vehicles and advanced technological equipment would be provided to the Mining Marshals once budgetary approvals are secured.
The minister commended the performance of the specialised NSCDC unit, revealing that within two years of its establishment, the Mining Marshals have arrested more than 300 illegal miners, prosecuted over 150 suspects and secured several convictions involving both Nigerians and foreign nationals.
According to him, the operations of the Mining Marshals have contributed significantly to efforts aimed at boosting non-oil revenue and diversifying the country’s economy.
Alake warned illegal miners and their collaborators against attempts to undermine government operations, describing them as enemies of the state who would face the full weight of the law.
Also speaking, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (rtd.) of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), pledged continued support for the Mining Marshals through enhanced training, funding and operational capacity.
He noted that the collaboration between the Ministries of Interior and Solid Minerals Development has strengthened efforts to secure Nigeria’s mineral assets and curb illegal activities in the sector.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, represented by Deputy Commandant General Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, described the support from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as unprecedented and assured that the gun trucks would be deployed effectively to support enforcement operations nationwide.
National Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Attah Onoja, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the logistics support, saying the new operational vehicles would greatly improve the unit’s efficiency in tackling illegal mining activities.
Onoja urged Nigerians to support the fight against illegal mining, stressing that the unlawful exploitation of mineral resources amounts to the theft of the nation’s wealth.
He also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies to enhance enforcement and protect mining communities across the country.
The deployment of the gun trucks forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to curb illegal mining, strengthen security and maximise the economic benefits of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.
