By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to stamp out illegal mining across Nigeria, with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, declaring that the era of unchecked illegal mining activities is over as enforcement efforts continue to yield significant results across the country.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Alake commended the Mining Marshals for their performance in combating illegal mining and protecting legitimate mineral title holders. The minister praised the operatives for their dedication and professionalism, urging them to remain steadfast in their mission to sanitize the nation’s solid minerals sector. The briefing was attended by officers and commanders of the Mining Marshals, who were present as key stakeholders in the government’s enforcement campaign.

Alake disclosed that the Mining Marshals have so far arrested 327 suspects linked to illegal mining activities across various parts of the country. According to him, 143 of the suspects are currently undergoing prosecution, while several others have already been convicted by competent courts, demonstrating the government’s commitment to enforcing mining laws and securing accountability.

The minister stressed that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting lawful mining operations and would continue to collaborate with licensed miners, investors, artisanal operators and mining cooperatives that comply with established regulations. He noted that responsible mining remains critical to the growth of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and the broader economic diversification agenda.

While extending assurances to legitimate operators, Alake issued a stern warning to illegal miners, declaring that government agencies would intensify enforcement actions against offenders. He stated that the administration would not tolerate activities that deprive the nation of revenue, destroy the environment and undermine investor confidence in the mining industry.

“It is no longer business as usual for illegal operators,” the minister declared, emphasizing that the activation of the Mining Marshals has fundamentally altered the operating environment for individuals and groups engaged in unlawful extraction of mineral resources.

Alake observed that the achievements recorded by the Mining Marshals have strengthened government confidence in the unit’s ability to tackle criminality within the sector. He noted that the successes achieved since the outfit commenced operations have demonstrated the effectiveness of a dedicated enforcement structure focused on protecting mining assets and ensuring compliance with the law.

In a major policy announcement, the minister revealed plans to recruit additional personnel for the Mining Marshals to expand their operational reach and improve surveillance of mining locations nationwide. The expansion, he said, would further strengthen efforts to curb illegal mining and secure more licensed mining sites across the federation.

He also assured the operatives of improved logistical support, including operational equipment and other resources necessary to enhance their effectiveness in the field. According to him, government would continue investing in the capacity of the Marshals to ensure they remain capable of confronting increasingly sophisticated illegal mining networks.

The minister reiterated that enforcement alone would not solve the challenges facing the sector, stressing the importance of continuous engagement with artisanal and small-scale miners. He explained that the government’s strategy combines law enforcement with formalization initiatives aimed at integrating legitimate operators into the regulated mining ecosystem.

Industry observers note that the activities of illegal miners have long posed significant challenges to Nigeria’s solid minerals industry through revenue losses, environmental degradation and security concerns. The deployment of the Mining Marshals was designed to address these challenges by safeguarding mining sites and protecting the interests of lawful operators.

As the government intensifies efforts to reposition the solid minerals sector as a major contributor to national revenue, Alake expressed confidence that stronger enforcement, increased manpower and closer collaboration with legitimate stakeholders would further reduce illegal mining activities and strengthen investor confidence in the industry. He urged the Mining Marshals to sustain the momentum and continue delivering results in the national interest.