Crackdown on Illegal Mining: Minister Deploys New Marshals to Tackle the Issue

The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has made significant strides in the battle against illegal mining in Nigeria. He has issued directives to a newly formed team of marshals, assembled from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to eradicate illegal mining activities and uphold the nation’s mining laws.

During the inauguration of the inaugural cohort of mining marshals, Alake disclosed that 60 specially trained marshals have been deployed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This marks the establishment of the newly activated Mining Marshal Corp, which currently comprises 2,220 personnel and serves as an inter-agency security unit with a focus on safeguarding the mining environment.

The minister underscored the pivotal role of the Ministry in providing unwavering support to the operations of the mining marshals to ensure their success. He emphasized the necessity for effective intelligence gathering through the mines inspectorate, accurate data on troubled mining areas, and precise directives for the marshals’ operations.

In a private meeting with the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, Alake deliberated on the critical issue of securing the mining environment. Badaru underscored the government’s strides in taking action against illegal miners in troubled areas, demonstrating the dedication to addressing the issue.

The Ministry’s initiatives align with the establishment of a presidential Inter-ministerial committee by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at devising a strategy to safeguard Nigeria’s natural resources, including mineral sites, the marine economy, and the forests.

These proactive measures demonstrate the government’s determination to combat the challenge of illegal mining. With the deployment of a specialized team and collaboration with sister security agencies, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is making significant progress in preserving Nigeria’s invaluable natural resources.

These efforts are not only vital for environmental preservation, but also for ensuring the sustainable and responsible exploitation of the country’s mineral wealth. With the cooperation of various agencies and the deployment of trained personnel, the fight against illegal mining has become a top priority for the Nigerian government.