Abuja: The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, has warned Nigerians against the confrontation, harassment, and blackmail of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the warning was issued by Alake during the inauguration of eight new gun trucks at the NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja. He emphasized that any attempt to discredit or frustrate the efforts of the mining marshals in sanitizing the solid minerals sector would be considered an act of sabotage. Alake mentioned that some mining marshals had encountered challenges from individuals and institutions benefiting from illegal mining activities.
Alake stressed that any person, whether in uniform or not, attempting to hinder the work of the mining marshals would be treated as an economic saboteur. He assured that the government would take decisive action against those operating or supporting illegal mining sites.
The minister pointed out that the inauguration of the gun trucks marked the beginning of the ministry’s broader plans for the mining marshals. The ministry’s budget includes provisions for modern technological gadgets, armored vests, and vehicles to enhance the protection of the marshals. Alake reiterated the commitment to providing necessary administrative support for smooth operations.
Alake praised the mining marshals for their success in sending a strong message to illegal mining operators, warning that flouting regulations in Nigeria would have consequences. He revealed that over the past two years, the marshals had arrested more than 300 illegal miners, prosecuted over 100, and secured several convictions nationwide. The minister highlighted the positive impact on revenue flow and investor attraction due to the crackdown on illegal activities.
Efforts are being made to ensure that the mining marshals possess the right values to effectively carry out their duties. In his remarks, the Mining Marshal Commander, John Onoja, expressed gratitude to the minister and the NSCDC management for equipping the unit with more operational vehicles. Onoja assured that the gun trucks would be strategically deployed to combat illegal mining activities across the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the mining marshals used the occasion to unveil a book titled “The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service.”