The Federal Government has intensified efforts to curb illegal mining activities across the country, announcing that more than 300 illegal miners have been arrested and over 100 prosecuted in the last two years as part of a drive to improve investor confidence and increase revenue from the solid minerals sector.
- +FG targets illegal mining networks, records 300 arrests in two years
Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, said the crackdown had begun to yield results by reducing illegal mining activities and creating a more secure environment for investors.
Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, said the crackdown had begun to yield results by reducing illegal mining activities and creating a more secure environment for investors.
Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of eight gun trucks for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals in Abuja, Alake warned individuals and organisations against obstructing the activities of the enforcement unit.
According to the minister, some of the resistance encountered by the Mining Marshals comes from individuals and institutions that benefit from illegal mining activities.
“Anyone, whether a uniformed officer or a civilian, who seeks to frustrate the work of these Mining Marshals is an economic saboteur and will be treated as such,” Alake said.
He warned that the government would intensify enforcement actions against sponsors and operators of illegal mining sites, stressing that anyone found aiding the practice would face arrest and prosecution.
The minister said the deployment of the gun trucks forms part of efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the Mining Marshals, established to tackle illegal mining and enforce compliance with regulations in the sector.
Alake disclosed that the ministry had made budgetary provisions for the acquisition of security equipment, including armoured vests, surveillance tools and additional vehicles to enhance the effectiveness of the unit.
“We shall continue at the administrative level to ensure that all necessary support is provided to facilitate your operations,” he said.
He noted that the activities of the Mining Marshals have sent a signal to operators that violations of mining regulations would attract sanctions.
Providing an update on enforcement efforts, Alake said the unit had arrested more than 300 illegal miners nationwide, prosecuted over 100 suspects and secured several convictions since its establishment.
He said the government’s efforts to sanitise the sector were contributing to increased investor interest in Nigeria’s mining industry.
“If we are able to drastically reduce illegal mining activities, more revenue will accrue to the country. The clampdown on illegal operators has also helped attract local and foreign investors into the sector,” he said.
The minister added that efforts were being made to strengthen professionalism and accountability within the Mining Marshals through improved recruitment and training.
John Onoja, commander of the Mining Marshals, commended the ministry, the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership for providing additional operational assets to support enforcement activities.
According to him, the acquisition of the gun trucks demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining.
“We are privileged to acquire these gun trucks to further strengthen our operations across the nation,” Onoja said.
He assured stakeholders that the vehicles would be deployed to combat illegal mining activities and improve surveillance across mining communities.
The event also featured the unveiling of a book titled The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service, which chronicles the activities of the Mining Marshals over the past two years.
