The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ Mining Marshal in Nasarawa State has intensified its crackdown on illicit mining by detaining three foreigners and two locals, aiming to strengthen the fight against economic sabotage.
In a statement released on Sunday, Commander General Mining Marshals J. A. Onoja emphasised a strong commitment to safeguarding the country’s vital infrastructure and guaranteeing sustainable mining practices. Segun Tomori, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, said in a statement that the suspects were detained for mining without a valid permit.
“Fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin are a few of the minerals that were being mined. The defendants who were arrested admitted to engaging in illegal activity at the location for five cadastral units since December 15, 2021.”
“The company defied all lawful advice to regularise their activities and continued siphoning the nation’s resources, causing significant revenue losses to the federal government.” The Statement read.
“It will be recalled that the 2,570-strong Mining Marshals, an elite squad of specially trained officers drafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) conceptualised by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake has been taking the battle to illegal miners, with over 200 arrests so far, and about 140 undergoing prosecution across the country.”
“The Federal Government remains committed to sanitizing the mining sector. Hence, the operations of the Mining Marshals will be unrelenting until the mining environment is secure and safe for genuine investors.”
In an effort to stop illicit solid mineral mining nationwide, the Federal Government established the “Mining Marshals” for the NSCDC. The ceremony was conducted by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja as part of events to commemorate the 2024 International Civil Defence Day. Perform their duties alongside the Ministry of Solid Minerals.
