The Federal Government’s Initiative to Combat Illegal Mining

A new team of 2,220 Mines Marshals, known as “Hayakin Kogo,” has been established by the Federal Government with the aim of cracking down on illegal miners and enforcing the nation’s mining laws. This initiative was officially launched by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who emphasized the importance of securing mining sites and preventing theft and other illicit activities related to the country’s mineral resources.

The Mines Marshals, which are part of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been specially trained and selected to carry out their duties effectively. The goal is to ensure that Nigeria can fully benefit from its valuable natural resources without being undermined by illegal mining activities.

This new security outfit is a result of collaboration between the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Interior, with the support of other security agencies including the Nigeria Police and the army. The operations of the Mines Marshals will be heavily reliant on advanced technology to enhance their efficiency.

The NSCDC Commandant-General, Abubakar Audi, expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the new team, highlighting their role in protecting national assets and infrastructure, particularly the solid minerals sector. The marshals will work closely with state mine inspectorates to gather intelligence and receive directives from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in order to carry out their mandate successfully.

One of the key objectives of the Mines Marshals is to crackdown on illegal miners across the country. With plans already in place to identify and take action against those involved in illegal mining activities, it is clear that the days of such individuals are numbered. This targeted approach to tackling illegal mining activities will undoubtedly improve the security situation in mining areas, ultimately leading to the advancement of Nigeria’s economic prospects.

The initiative has garnered positive feedback from various stakeholders, including the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi. He commended the government for translating its commitment to addressing security in the mining sector into tangible action, and expressed the support and cooperation of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly in this important endeavour.

The establishment of the Mines Marshals represents a significant step forward in securing Nigeria’s mineral resources and preventing illicit mining activities. The government’s proactive approach to enhancing security in the mining sector is not only commendable but also crucial in safeguarding the nation’s valuable natural resources for the benefit of all citizens.