Combating Illegal Mining: A New Security Measure in Nigeria’s Mineral Sector
The Ministry of Solid Mineral Development in Nigeria has recently augmented its security forces through the enlistment of 2,220 new officers tasked with the crucial role of eradicating illegal mining and smuggling of the country’s mineral resources. The initiative, spearheaded by Minister Dele Alake, aims to provide enhanced protection for mining sites and ensure the proper regulation of the nation’s mining laws. Furthermore, the newly recruited security personnel have been assigned the responsibility of preventing theft and other illicit activities surrounding Nigeria’s mineral wealth. This development forms part of the government’s broader strategy to optimise the country’s natural resources and foster economic growth.
With a coordinated command structure spanning across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the newly appointed mining marshals will operate under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. To kickstart the implementation of this security architecture, 60 operatives will be deployed in each state and the FCT. This strategic deployment is expected to fortify security at mining locations and combat illegal activities within the sector.
Minister Dele Alake expressed optimism regarding the impact of the new security measures on revenue generation in the country, particularly within the mineral sector. He underscored the pivotal role of security in creating a conducive operating environment, without which efforts to enhance revenue yields would be futile. The Minister also highlighted the long-term objective of bolstering the mineral sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s gross domestic product, a target that hinges on the effective safeguarding of mining resources.
Moreover, the Minister emphasised the need for collaboration between the new mining marshals and pre-existing security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army. This integrated approach seeks to maximise the effectiveness of the security measures and further fortify the country’s mining sector.
The National Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant-General, Abubakar Audi, echoed Minister Alake’s sentiments and stressed the corps’ commitment to protecting national assets and infrastructure, with a specific focus on solid minerals. Audi affirmed that the newly appointed marshals would work in cooperation with mines inspectorate offices at the state level to gather actionable intelligence and enforce the ministry’s mandate.
These sweeping changes have received widespread commendation from government officials, including the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi, who lauded the Minister for translating his vision into tangible action. The House of Representatives has pledged unwavering support for the newly established security measures, recognising their potential to catalyse Nigeria’s economic development.
Under the leadership of Chief Superintendent of Corps Attah John Onoja, the Mines Marshal Corps is poised to make significant strides in curbing illegal mining activities and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s mineral resources. This initiative represents a critical step forward in the quest to promote sustainable growth and revenue generation through the country’s mineral sector.
