The Federal Government has reaffirmed its confidence in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals, warning individuals and groups seeking to undermine their operations to desist or face the full force of the law.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, gave the warning on Wednesday during the inauguration of eight newly acquired gun trucks for the Mining Marshals at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
Mr Alake commended the operatives for their commitment and sacrifices in the fight against illegal mining, describing their activities as critical to the Federal Government’s efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector and boost its contribution to the nation’s economy.
The minister expressed concern over what he described as deliberate attempts by some individuals and vested interests to discredit, harass, intimidate and blackmail members of the special enforcement unit.
According to him, many of those opposed to the Mining Marshals’ operations are beneficiaries of the illegal mining network that has deprived the country of substantial revenue and undermined legitimate operators in the sector.
“The Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes in curbing illegal mining operations and protecting the nation’s mineral resources. It is therefore not surprising that those who have profited from illegality are uncomfortable with their achievements and are resorting to campaigns of blackmail and misinformation,” he said.
Mr Alake stressed that the Federal Government remains fully committed to supporting the Mining Marshals and would continue to provide the resources, logistics and institutional backing needed to enable them effectively carry out their mandate.
He warned that anyone attempting to obstruct the work of the operatives, whether a civilian or a security personnel, would be treated as an economic saboteur.
“Anyone, whether a uniformed personnel or a civilian, who seeks to frustrate the noble work of these Mining Marshals is an economic saboteur and will be treated as such. That I can promise you,” he said.
The minister said the deployment of the eight gun trucks was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the unit, improve its response to security threats and enhance its ability to dismantle illegal mining sites and protect strategic mineral assets nationwide.
He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning the solid minerals sector as a key driver of economic diversification, noting that the administration would not relent in its determination to eradicate illegal mining and ensure that the country’s mineral wealth benefits all Nigerians.
Mr Alake also called on stakeholders, traditional rulers, host communities and security agencies to continue supporting the Mining Marshals in their efforts to restore order, transparency and accountability in the sector.
He stressed that safeguarding the nation’s mineral resources is a collective responsibility and warned that anyone found aiding or abetting illegal mining activities would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
