Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the inauguration of the mining Marshals has led to the arrest of 327 offenders, recovery of 98 mining sites, and restoration of access to legally licensed operators.
“The activation of the Mining Marshals sent shivers down the spine of illegal miners. It is no longer business as usual,” he declared.
According to Dr. Alake, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, led administration has established an inter-ministerial committee to protect the country’s natural resources, leading to the rapid mobilization of security forces.
“The Mining Marshals, inaugurated on March 1, 2024, by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, were deployed across Nigeria to enforce mining laws.
Dr. Alake noted that prior to the Mining Marshals’ intervention, several licensed mining companies had lost access to their sites due to encroachment by illegal miners, some of whom had occupied these locations for over a decade.
He cited a landmark operation at North South Extractive Industries Limited in Kogi State, where over 3,000 illegal miners were flushed out.
Other sites recovered include: Ganan Mining Limited (Kuje, FCT); Jinloys Nigeria Limited (Abia State); Orbit Exploration and Natural Products Limited (Kogi State)
He stated that to strengthen enforcement, the Mining Marshals have identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and improved intelligence gathering.
“Additionally, recent court rulings have signaled the government’s resolve, including the conviction of foreign illegal miners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, in Kwara State” he noted.
“In its second year, the Mining Marshals will expand its coverage nationwide, integrating satellite technology, drones, and miniature robots for surveillance”.
Alake stressed that this is first time, the government was providing both air and ground coverage for the security of the solid minerals sector.
The Minister commended security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, for their role in arresting illegal miners, while acknowledging the judiciary’s swift action in prosecuting offenders.
Dr. Alake also announced the institution of an annual prize for the Best Report on Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria, to be administered by the Diamonds Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).
“The initiative, he said, aims to encourage responsible and impactful journalism in the sector”
“The Nigerian press has been serious, comprehensive, and patriotic in its coverage of the solid minerals sector. This award will further enhance public awareness,” he stated.
