…made mining comfortable for local and foreign miners
From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the inauguration of the mining Marshals has led to the arrest of 327 offenders, recovery of 98 mining sites, and restoration of access to legally licensed operators.
Dr. Alake who stated this at the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals in Abuja, emphasized that the initiative has significantly deterred illegal mining activities, which had previously crippled legitimate businesses and posed security threats.
“The activation of the Mining Marshals sent shivers down the spine of illegal miners. It is no longer business as usual,” he declared.
According to Dr. Alake, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, led administration has established an inter-ministerial committee to protect the country’s natural resources, leading to the rapid mobilization of security forces.
“The Mining Marshals, inaugurated on March 1, 2024, by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, were deployed across Nigeria to enforce mining laws.
Dr. Alake noted that prior to the Mining Marshals’ intervention, several licensed mining companies had lost access to their sites due to encroachment by illegal miners, some of whom had occupied these locations for over a decade.
He cited a landmark operation at North South Extractive Industries Limited in Kogi State, where over 3,000 illegal miners were flushed out.
Other sites recovered include: Ganan Mining Limited (Kuje, FCT); Jinloys Nigeria Limited (Abia State); Orbit Exploration and Natural Products Limited (Kogi State)
He stated that to strengthen enforcement, the Mining Marshals have identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and improved intelligence gathering.
“Additionally, recent court rulings have signaled the government’s resolve, including the conviction of foreign illegal miners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, in Kwara State” he noted.
“In its second year, the Mining Marshals will expand its coverage nationwide, integrating satellite technology, drones, and miniature robots for surveillance”
Dr. Alake stressed that this is first time, the government was providing both air and ground coverage for the security of the solid minerals sector.
The Minister commended security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, for their role in arresting illegal miners, while acknowledging the judiciary’s swift action in prosecuting offenders.
Dr. Alake also announced the institution of an annual prize for the Best Report on Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria, to be administered by the Diamonds Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).
“The initiative, he said, aims to encourage responsible and impactful journalism in the sector”
“The Nigerian press has been serious, comprehensive, and patriotic in its coverage of the solid minerals sector. This award will further enhance public awareness,” he stated.
“As the Mining Marshals enter their second year, Dr. Alake reaffirmed the government’s commitment to consolidating gains, flushing out more illegal miners, and boosting Nigeria’s solid minerals contribution to national revenue”
Earlier on his part, the National Commandant of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commander John Onoja highlighted the role of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in establishing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Mining Marshals, ensuring professionalism in their enforcement efforts.
“Since our launch, we have responded to numerous petitions from legitimate mineral title holders who have been unable to access their sites due to the activities of illegal miners and, in some cases, bandits,” Onoja said.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the operatives, including dangerous terrains and security risks, but emphasized that the team remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s solid minerals sector from illegal exploitation.
“Our driving force is the commitment to safeguarding the sector. The words of encouragement from the Honourable Minister mean more to us than money. They have kept our morale high despite limited logistics,” he added.
Onoja further revealed that the Mining Marshals have expanded their presence nationwide, with multiple batches of trained operatives deployed to strategic mining sites. He commended the collaboration between the NSCDC and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, noting that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s economic agenda to reposition the mining sector as a viable alternative to oil revenue.
He also appreciated media organizations for their coverage of the Mining Marshals’ activities, which, he said, has helped to increase public awareness of the fight against illegal mining.
The crackdown on illegal mining comes as the government intensifies efforts to regulate the sector, attract foreign investment, and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources contribute meaningfully to national development.