03/06/2026
FG COMMENDS NSCDC MINING MARSHALS, STRENGTHENS CRACKDOWN ON ECONOMIC SABOTAGE IN MINING SECTOR
The Federal Government has commended the NSCDC Mining Marshals for their remarkable achievements in combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s solid mineral resources from economic saboteurs, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the specialized unit with improved operational assets.
The commendation came during the commissioning of eight operational gun trucks and the unveiling of a two-year achievement compendium showcasing the unit’s successes in curbing illegal mining activities across the country.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Dele Alake described illegal mining as a major threat to national development and economic diversification, noting that the activities of illegal operators deprive the nation of vital revenue and undermine legitimate investments. Commending the Mining Marshals for their outstanding performance, he disclosed that within two years of operation, the unit has arrested over 300 illegal miners, prosecuted more than 150 suspects, and secured several convictions involving both Nigerian and foreign offenders. He noted that these achievements have significantly contributed to sanitizing the mining sector, protecting the nation’s mineral wealth, and advancing the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.
Representing the Minister of Interior, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd.), Board Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), praised the achievements of the Mining Marshals and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the unit through enhanced training, funding, and operational capacity.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, represented by DCG Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, described the Federal Government’s intervention as a significant boost to the fight against illegal mining and assured that the new assets would be effectively deployed to combat criminal activities in the mining sector.
Speaking on the unit’s achievements, the National Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Attah Onoja, said the additional logistics support would further enhance the Marshals’ capacity to combat illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage. He expressed appreciation to the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Interior for their unwavering support and called on Nigerians, mining communities, and sister security agencies to sustain collaboration in protecting the nation’s mineral resources from illegal exploitation.
The event also featured the unveiling of The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service by the Mining Marshals, a publication documenting the unit’s contributions to securing Nigeria’s mining sector, protecting national assets, and strengthening the fight against economic sabotage....
Ministry of Interior Nigeria
