The Federal Government has strengthened the operational capacity of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) Mining Marshals with the deployment of eight newly acquired armoured gun trucks, as part of efforts to intensify the fight against illegal mining across the country.
The initiative was unveiled during a symbolic commissioning ceremony in Abuja, alongside the presentation of a compendium titled “The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service by the Mining Marshals.”
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Henry Dele Alake, said the Federal Government remains committed to equipping the Mining Marshals with modern operational tools to enhance their effectiveness in tackling illegal mining activities nationwide.
Dr. Alake noted that while the newly deployed gun trucks represent a significant boost to field operations, additional advanced equipment and technology would be provided as budgetary provisions allow. He emphasized that the government’s priority is to secure Nigeria’s mineral resources and boost non-oil revenue generation.
According to him, within just two years of operations, the Mining Marshals have arrested over 300 illegal miners, prosecuted more than 150 suspects, and secured several convictions involving both local and foreign nationals. He described illegal mining operators and their collaborators as economic saboteurs undermining national development.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd.), reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sustained inter-agency collaboration, improved logistics support, and enhanced operational capacity for security agencies involved in resource protection.
He commended the partnership between the Ministries of Solid Minerals and Interior, describing it as critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral assets and strengthening national security architecture.
In his remarks, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, represented by the Deputy Commandant General (Technical Services), DCG Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, described the intervention as transformative and unprecedented. He assured that the newly acquired gun trucks would be deployed strictly for operational duties in line with the Corps’ mandate.
The National Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah Onoja, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the logistical support, noting that it would significantly enhance field operations. He called for continued public support and inter-agency cooperation, stressed that illegal mining constitutes economic sabotage that must be decisively addressed.
The event marked a major milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining, strengthen enforcement capacity, and boost Nigeria’s non-oil revenue through improved protection of solid mineral resources.
