Pix: Alake

By Bisiriyu

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has commended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals for what he described as their outstanding, patriotic and exemplary performance in securing Nigeria’s mining sector, saying the special unit has surpassed his expectations in the fight against illegal mining across the country.

The minister gave the commendation at the National Headquarters of the NSCDC in Abuja during a ceremony where the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development donated utility vehicles to strengthen the operational capacity of the Mining Marshals. Addressing senior officers and personnel of the specialised unit, Alake singled out the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, for praise, noting that the achievements recorded under his leadership had justified the Federal Government’s confidence in the initiative.

According to the minister, the remarkable success of the Mining Marshals was one of the major reasons he abandoned an earlier idea of creating a separate and independent security outfit exclusively for mining fields. He explained that after extensive consultations, it became clear that constitutional and legal limitations made the establishment of another armed security organisation outside the existing security architecture difficult and potentially counterproductive. Rather than pursue a structure that could create jurisdictional conflicts, the government opted to leverage the statutory mandate, nationwide presence and professionalism of the NSCDC.

Alake said the decision had proven to be the right one, stressing that the Mining Marshals have emerged as the “policemen of the mining sector,” restoring confidence among legitimate operators while confronting criminal elements engaged in illegal extraction of the nation’s mineral resources. He noted that since their deployment, the Marshals have recorded significant operational successes, including hundreds of arrests, the recovery of numerous mining sites from illegal operators, and the prosecution of offenders involved in mineral theft and related crimes. The enforcement activities have also contributed to improved regulatory compliance and increased government revenue from the sector. Revenue generated from mining activities has risen dramatically from about ₦6 billion to approximately ₦38 billion within a short period of reforms, while illegal mining operations have suffered major setbacks.

The minister described the conduct of the Mining Marshals as a demonstration of patriotism, discipline and dedication to national service. He particularly commended ACC Onoja and his officers for maintaining professionalism in difficult operational environments and for resisting pressures from powerful interests involved in illegal mining. Alake said reports reaching his office from across the federation indicated that the unit had become a formidable force against economic sabotage and a critical pillar in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector.

While presenting the vehicles, Alake urged the officers not to rest on their achievements but to intensify the campaign against illegal mining and mineral smuggling. He assured the unit of the ministry’s continued support through improved logistics, training and operational resources. The minister expressed confidence that with sustained commitment and collaboration between the Ministry and the NSCDC, the Mining Marshals would continue to protect Nigeria’s mineral wealth, boost investor confidence and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic diversification agenda. He added that the Federal Government remains determined to ensure that the country’s vast mineral resources are exploited lawfully and for the benefit of all Nigerians.