The Federal Government has expressed strong confidence in the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), commending their efforts in combating illegal mining activities across the country.
Speaking during the inauguration of eight newly acquired gun trucks for the Mining Marshals in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, praised the officers for their dedication, commitment, and sacrifices in protecting the nation’s mineral resources.
He described the activities of the Mining Marshals as a vital part of the government’s strategy to sanitise the solid minerals sector and boost its contribution to economic growth.
Alake also warned individuals and groups attempting to undermine the operations of the Mining Marshals to desist, stressing that the government would not tolerate efforts to discredit, intimidate, harass, or blackmail officers carrying out their duties.
According to him, many of those opposing the marshals’ activities are beneficiaries of illegal mining operations that have deprived the nation of significant revenue and hindered legitimate operators in the sector.
“The Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes in curbing illegal mining operations and protecting the nation’s mineral resources. It is therefore not surprising that those who have profited from illegality are uncomfortable with their achievements and are resorting to campaigns of blackmail and misinformation,” he said.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the Mining Marshals with the necessary resources, logistics, and institutional backing required to effectively carry out their mandate.
He warned that anyone, whether a civilian or security personnel, found obstructing the work of the Mining Marshals would be regarded as an economic saboteur and dealt with in accordance with the law.
Alake noted that the deployment of the eight gun trucks was aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the unit, enabling it to respond swiftly to threats, dismantle illegal mining sites, and secure strategic mineral assets nationwide.
He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning the solid minerals sector as a key pillar of economic diversification, stressing that the government remains determined to eliminate illegal mining and ensure that the country’s mineral wealth benefits all Nigerians.
The minister also called on stakeholders, traditional institutions, host communities, and security agencies to support the Mining Marshals in promoting order, transparency, and accountability within the sector.
He emphasized that safeguarding the nation’s mineral resources is a collective responsibility and warned that anyone aiding or abetting illegal mining activities would be identified, investigated, and prosecuted according to the law.
Post comments (0)