The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has made significant strides in the battle against illegal mining in the nation by mobilising 2,220 of its personnel as Mining Marshals. During an interactive session with reporters in Abuja, Commandant of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, disclosed this information. He underscored the organisation’s steadfast commitment to upholding existing laws and working in conjunction with other law enforcement entities to safeguard mining sites, while also appealing to citizens for their support.
The recent introduction of the NSCDC-led Mining Marshals by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, has heralded the implementation of a new security framework to safeguard the mining environment. The command structure of the Mining Marshals, which spans across all 36 states, is positioned within the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), with an initial deployment of 60 operatives in each state as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Onoja, the primary objective of the Mining Marshals is to ensure stringent adherence to mining laws in Nigeria. He maintained that individuals found to be infringing upon these regulations would face consequences, regardless of their status or connections. Emphasising the gravity of the task at hand, he articulated, “It’s a rare privilege to be on such a national assignment and we will have to account for this opportunity. So, anybody meeting us should know that we are coming with the mindset to save the mining sector.”
The inception of the Mining Marshals was born from the crucial need to protect the nation’s mining sector, as elucidated by Onoja. He underscored that the protection of vital national assets and infrastructure is a fundamental mandate of the NSCDC, positioning it as the most apt agency to undertake this responsibility.
The magnitude of the mining sector in Nigeria is underscored by the presence of 44 different types of commercially viable minerals valued at $700 billion. Regrettably, due to inadequate capital investment, absence of geo-mapping tools, and widespread illegal mining activities, the nation has grappled with fully harnessing the potential of its mineral reserves.
The establishment of the Mining Marshals is a preemptive measure to address these issues. Onoja provided assurance that the number of operatives would continue to rise, with each state in the federation receiving ample support in terms of Mining Marshals.
Through taking a resolute stance against illegal mining, the NSCDC and its Mining Marshals are evidencing a dedication to conserving the country’s natural resources and fostering sustainable development. This initiative is a testament to the government’s resolve to confront the challenges grappling the mining sector and pave the way for its expansion and prosperity.