Minister commends marshals for curbing illegal mining activities
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has commended the Mining Marshals for their impressive performance in curbing illegal mining operations across the country, describing their work as a “major victory” in the nation’s ongoing efforts to sanitize the mineral sector.
Speaking during a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Monday, Alake said the Mining Marshals have lived up to their mandate since their deployment, adding that plans are now underway to expand their operations to all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
According to the minister, the Mining Marshals have successfully dismantled several illegal mining sites, arrested multiple offenders, and helped recover millions of naira worth of mineral resources that would otherwise have been lost to criminal elements.
He described their contribution as “a crucial step in repositioning Nigeria’s mining industry toward transparency, sustainability, and profitability.”
Alake: Mining marshals proving their worth nationwide
Dr. Alake explained that since their inauguration earlier this year, the Mining Marshals—drawn primarily from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—have made significant strides in restoring order to a sector long plagued by illicit activities.
He said: “The Mining Marshals have proven to be an effective instrument in the fight against illegal mining. They have recorded dozens of arrests and disrupted multiple unlicensed operations that had been depriving the nation of its rightful revenue.”
The minister emphasized that the initiative was part of the government’s broader reforms to ensure Nigeria fully harnesses its mineral wealth in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Illegal mining has for years been a cancer in our system, draining resources and fuelling insecurity in mineral-rich regions. The marshals are reversing this narrative,” he added.
Expansion plan targets every local government area
Alake disclosed that the success of the initial deployment has prompted the ministry to consider a nationwide expansion of the Mining Marshal initiative. The new phase, he said, will see trained officers stationed across all 774 local government areas.
“This expansion is not just about security—it’s about establishing full control and visibility across every corner of our mining landscape,” Alake explained. “With this structure, we will know what is happening in each local government, who is mining where, and under what authorization.”
The minister noted that the ministry is currently collaborating with the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to finalize logistics, funding, and training modules for the expansion.
Stronger collaboration with communities and stakeholders
Alake also emphasized that beyond enforcement, community cooperation remains key to the long-term success of the Mining Marshals. He urged traditional rulers, local government authorities, and mining cooperatives to partner with the marshals in reporting illegal operations and safeguarding mining sites.
“Our vision is to create a mining ecosystem where everyone—from government officials to local communities—plays a role in protecting Nigeria’s mineral wealth,” the minister said.
He revealed that several mining host communities had already begun forming “Community Mining Surveillance Groups,” which will work alongside the marshals to ensure transparency and accountability.
Boosting Nigeria’s revenue and investor confidence
Alake further stated that the ministry’s efforts are already yielding results, with the country recording a rise in mineral export revenues and renewed investor interest in exploration projects.
“By eliminating illegal activities, we are creating a more predictable business environment that will attract legitimate investors and help the government generate revenue,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to continue reforming the sector, adding that technology, data mapping, and digital monitoring would complement the efforts of the Mining Marshals going forward.
“The expansion of the Mining Marshals is not just about enforcement—it is about building a sustainable foundation for economic diversification,” Alake concluded.
With the impending deployment to all 774 local government areas, stakeholders believe the initiative could become one of Nigeria’s most effective strategies in protecting natural resources, improving internal security, and driving national growth.
