In a significant step toward strengthening the fight against illegal mining, the Federal Government has provided the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals with eight operational gun trucks to improve their effectiveness nationwide.
The vehicles were unveiled during a commissioning ceremony, which also featured the launch of a book titled “The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service by the Mining Marshals.”
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Mining Marshals. He disclosed that plans are underway to equip the unit with advanced technological tools and armored vehicles once the necessary budgetary approvals are secured.
Represented alongside the Minister of Interior, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd.), Dr. Alake praised the achievements of the Mining Marshals since their establishment. He noted that in just two years, the unit has arrested more than 300 suspected illegal miners, prosecuted over 150 offenders, and secured several convictions involving both Nigerian and foreign nationals, highlighting its growing impact in protecting the country’s solid mineral resources.
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The Minister noted that the Mining Marshals, a special unit established within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have played a vital role in increasing Nigeria’s non-oil revenue, supporting the government’s efforts to reduce reliance on petroleum and diversify the economy.
Dr. Alake also condemned attempts by illegal miners and their collaborators to undermine ongoing operations in the mining sector. He described such individuals as enemies of the state and warned that anyone found sabotaging government efforts would face the full weight of the law.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd.) of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), praised the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development for its consistent support. He said the partnership has helped protect the country’s mineral resources and assured stakeholders of the Interior Ministry’s commitment to future training programmes, improved funding, and stronger operational support.
In his welcome remarks, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, represented by Deputy Commandant General in charge of Technical Services, DCG Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, fdc, described the Ministry’s support as groundbreaking and unmatched.
He identified illegal mining as a major threat to national growth and development, reaffirming the NSCDC’s commitment to sustaining its strong partnership with the Ministry. He also assured that the newly acquired gun trucks would be deployed responsibly and used strictly for official operations.
Highlighting the achievements of the Mining Marshals, the National Commander, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, expressed appreciation to both ministries for their support. He said the additional operational resources would strengthen the unit’s capacity and improve results in the fight against illegal mining.
ACC Onoja called on Nigerians to support the Mining Marshals, stressing that illegal and unregistered mining activities amount to the theft of the nation’s resources. He also appealed to other security agencies to continue working closely with the unit to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral wealth.
Signed:
Babawale Afolabi, ANIPR
Assistant Commandant of Corps
National Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
