Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Federal Government has marked the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals, a specialized force created to combat illegal mining, secure mining sites in the country and enforce the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Law, 2007.
With the Mining Marshals marking one year in existence, 327 suspected illegal miners have been arrested within the period and a total of 98 sites have been recovered from illegal miners.
Addressing a press conference to mark the one-year anniversary of the corps, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, disclosed that the Mining Marshals were deployed in the last one year to address the menace of illegal mining in the country with a view to boosting government revenue from the sector.
Dr. Alake disclosed that the Mining Marshals have also identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites due to improved intelligence gathering.
He stated: “The first clearance operation took place at Mining Lease 19325 in Jagula, Kogi State, where over 3,000 illegal miners were digging and carting away gold, while the real owners, who had obtained the licence in 2016, were barred by threats from operating.The Mining Marshals flushed them out completely and stationed personnel on site to maintain law and order.
He listed other sites recovered to include Ganan Mining Limited (Kuje, FCT); Jinloys Nigeria Limited in Abia State; Orbit Exploration and Natural Products Limited in Kogi State. He disclosed that the operations of the Mining Marshals also led to conviction of foreign illegal miners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, in Kwara State.
Dr. Alake noted that the recovery of 98 sites has allowed legitimate licence owners to resume operations, which will ultimately boost royalties and increase the solid minerals sector’s contribution to national revenue.
Commending the successes recorded by the Mining Marshals within one year, he said: “I want to congratulate you for the very good work that you have done in this last one year. We are very impressed with your performance this year. And this gives us the confidence to believe that you are going to do more. When you are successful in what you do, then higher authority will be more confident to give you more responsibility.
“The purpose of creating and establishing you last year has been displayed. You have succeeded in addressing several illegal offenders, growing into hundreds. You have succeeded in bringing some into the courts for persecution, and in fact, ensured conviction.”
As the Mining Marshals enter their second year, Alake reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding enforcement operations, flushing out more illegal miners, and improving security in the solid minerals sector.
He announced plans to integrate satellite technology, drones, and miniature robots for surveillance.
“For the first time, we are providing both air and ground coverage for the security of the solid minerals sector. The activation of the Mining Marshals sent shivers down the spine of illegal miners. It is no longer business as usual,” he said.
The Minister expressed appreciation to security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, for the training given to the mining Marshals and their role in the fight against illegal miners. He also commended the judiciary for swift action in prosecuting offenders.
He 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, is aimed at encouraging 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.
The National Commandant of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commander Attah John Onoja noted the impressive role of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development in establishing a Standard Operating Procedure, SOP, for the Mining Marshals, which ensured professionalism in their enforcement efforts.
Onaja stated: “Since our launch, we have responded to numerous petitions from legitimate mineral title holders who were unable to access their sites due to illegal mining activities.”
Despite challenges such as dangerous terrains and security risks, Onoja emphasized the unwavering commitment of the operatives in safeguarding Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
“Our driving force is the commitment to protecting the sector. The words of encouragement from the Honourable Minister mean more to us than money. They have kept our morale high despite limited logistics,” he added.
He commended the collaboration between the NSCDC and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, stressing that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s economic agenda to reposition the mining sector as a viable alternative to oil revenue.
Thanking the media for their coverage of the Mining Marshals’ activities, he noted that it has helped to increase public awareness of the fight against illegal mining in the country.
