Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake says establishment of the mining Marshals, has enhanced the sector, leading to the arrest of 327 offenders, recovery of mining sites, and restoration of access to legally licensed operators
Dr. Alake, who stated this at the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals in Abuja, emphasized that the initiative has significantly deterred illegal mining activities, which had previously crippled legitimate businesses and posed security threats.
According to Dr. Alake, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, led administration established an inter-ministerial committee to protect the country’s natural resources, leading to the rapid mobilization of security forces.
“The activation of the Mining Marshals sent shivers down the spine of illegal miners. It is no longer business as usual,” he declared.
Dr. Alake noted that prior to the Mining Marshals’ intervention, several licensed mining companies had lost access to their sites due to encroachment by illegal miners, some of whom had occupied these locations for over a decade.
He cited a landmark operation at the North South Extractive Industries Limited in Kogi State, where over 3,000 illegal miners were flushed out.
He stated that to strengthen enforcement, the Mining Marshals have identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and improved intelligence gathering.
“Additionally, recent court rulings have signaled the government’s resolve, including the conviction of foreign illegal miners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, in Kwara State” he noted.
“In its second year, the Mining Marshals will expand its coverage nationwide, integrating satellite technology, drones, and miniature robots for surveillance”
Dr. Alake stressed that this is the first time, the government was providing both air and ground coverage for the security of the solid minerals sector.
The Minister commended security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, for their role in arresting illegal miners, while acknowledging the judiciary’s swift action in prosecuting offenders.
Dr. Alake also announced the institution of an annual prize for the Best Report on Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria, to be administered by the Diamonds Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).
Earlier on his part, the National Commandant of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commander John Onoja highlighted the role of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in establishing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Mining Marshals, ensuring professionalism in their enforcement efforts.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the operatives, including dangerous terrains and security risks, but emphasized that the team remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s solid minerals sector from illegal exploitation.
Onoja further revealed that the Mining Marshals have expanded their presence nationwide, with multiple batches of trained operatives deployed to strategic mining sites. He commended the collaboration between the NSCDC and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, noting that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s economic agenda to reposition the mining sector as a viable alternative to oil revenue.
He also appreciated media organizations for their coverage of the Mining Marshals’ activities, which, he said, has helped to increase public awareness of the fight against illegal mining.
