Federal Government Introduces “Mining Marshals” in Effort to Combat Illegal Mining

In an effort to address the issue of illegal mining in Nigeria, the federal government has introduced a new initiative called the “Mining Marshals”, to be operated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The launch ceremony, held at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja, was officiated by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of the activities commemorating the 2024 International Civil Defence Day.

The core aim of the Mining Marshals is to combat the unlawful extraction of solid minerals that takes place across the country. This initiative represents a collaborative effort between the NSCDC and the Ministry of Solid Minerals. It is hoped that by working together, they will be able to effectively address this persistent issue.

Under this programme, each state command of the NSCDC will be assigned its own complement of mining marshals, consisting of an initial contingent of 60 personnel. The Minister of Interior stressed the critical role of the NSCDC in safeguarding the nation’s valuable assets, including oil and gas infrastructure, solid minerals, power installations, and telecommunications infrastructure.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, revealed that over 1175 illegal mining sites have been identified and will be monitored by the newly established Mining Marshals to curb the activities of illegal miners. Furthermore, Audi highlighted the achievements of the NSCDC under his leadership, citing the demolition of over 200 illegal refineries, the arrest of more than 500 suspected oil thieves, and the successful prosecution and conviction of 120 individuals.

He also noted the recent achievements of the Corps’ Special Intelligence Squad, which led to the arrest of 8 tankers acting as a repository for stolen railway sleepers and other equipment valued at over 1.7 billion naira. The establishment of the Mining Marshals represents a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal mining, serving as a deterrent while also enabling the enforcement of regulations related to the mining of solid minerals.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to combatting illicit mining activities, which not only deprive the nation of its valuable resources but also pose environmental and safety hazards. The introduction of the Mining Marshals is a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding the nation’s resources and upholding the rule of law within the mining sector. As Nigeria seeks to harness the potential of its abundant mineral wealth for the benefit of its citizens, initiatives like the Mining Marshals will play a pivotal role in ensuring that these resources are responsibly and sustainably managed.