In a bid to tackle illegal mining and ensure the protection of the nation’s mineral resources, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, has inaugurated a specialised security force.
The force, named the “Mining Marshal Corps,” comprises 2,220 security personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake, emphasised the importance of securing mining sites to maximise the benefits from Nigeria’s natural resources.
The initiative follows President Bola Tinubu’s establishment of an inter-ministerial committee tasked with formulating strategies to safeguard the country’s resources, including solid minerals, forests, and marine assets.
The Mining Marshal Corps, with a command structure spanning across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, will operate under the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development. Initially, 60 operatives will be deployed in each state, with plans for collaboration with other security agencies such as the Nigeria Police and the army.
Minister Alake highlighted the critical role of security in enhancing revenue generation from the mineral sector, aiming for it to contribute over 50% to the GDP in the long run.
The launch event signifies the government’s commitment to combating insecurity in the mining sector, with the first batch of security personnel marking the commencement of this effort.
NSCDC Commandant-General, Abubakar Audi, affirmed that the Mining Marshals would bolster the corps’ mandate of safeguarding national assets, particularly solid minerals. He assured that illegal miners would be targeted, signalling intensified enforcement activities.
Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, commended the initiative, emphasising its potential to elevate Nigeria’s economic prospects. He lauded Minister Alake for translating his agenda into action, pledging continued support from the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.
The Mines Marshal Corps, under the leadership of Commander CSC Attah John Onoja, is poised to play a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s mineral wealth and fostering sustainable economic growth.
