The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, has warned Nigerians against confronting, harassing, or blackmailing Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals.
Alake delivered this warning on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of eight new gun trucks at the NSCDC Headquarters.
He stated that anyone seeking to discredit or frustrate the efforts of the mining marshals in sanitizing the solid minerals sector would be considered a saboteur.
He also noted that some mining marshals have faced challenges from individuals and institutions who, in his view, are direct beneficiaries of illegal mining activities.
“Anyone, whether a uniformed personnel or not, who seeks to hinder the noble work of these marshals is an economic saboteur and will be treated as such. That I can promise you.
“Once you aid, sponsor, or operate illegal mining sites, the government will leave no stone unturned to ensure your arrest,” he said.
The minister added that the gun trucks’ inauguration marked just the beginning of the ministry’s broader plans for the mining marshals.
He revealed that the ministry’s budget includes provisions for modern technological gadgets, including armored vests and vehicles, to further protect the marshals.
“We will continue to provide support and necessary resources to facilitate your operations,” he assured.
Alake commended the marshals’ efforts, noting that their success stories have sent a strong message to illegal mining operators.
“It is no longer business as usual to flout regulations in Nigeria, as there will be consequences,” he warned.
He disclosed that over the past two years, the marshals have arrested more than 300 illegal miners, prosecuted over 100, and secured several convictions nationwide.
“If we can drastically reduce their activities, more revenue will flow into the country, and we will attract more local and international investors following our active crackdown on illegal operators,” he added.
He also emphasized efforts to ensure that the marshals embody the right values through proper training.
In his remarks, Mining Marshal Commander John Onoja thanked the minister, the Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and NSCDC management for providing additional operational vehicles.
He stated that the minister’s commitment was translating words into action in the fight against illegal mining.
“We are privileged to acquire these standard gun trucks to strengthen our operations nationwide,” he said.
Onoja assured that the trucks would be effectively deployed and utilized to combat illegal mining activities.
It was also reported that the marshals unveiled a book titled “The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service” during the event.
