The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have reiterated their commitment to tackling illegal mining activities across the country as part of efforts to implement their 2024 operational plan.
Speaking at the National Headquarters of the NSCDC, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant John Attah, highlighted the squad’s remarkable achievements in the past year.
He noted that the unit successfully penetrated illegal mining cartels and overcame numerous challenges in a bid to safeguard Nigeria’s natural resources from economic saboteurs.
Attah emphasised that since the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Protection of National Resources, which covers sectors such as mining, forestry, and coastal shores, the Mining Marshals have intensified their efforts to curb illegal practices in the sector.
He commended the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the NSCDC, which led to the creation of the Specialized Mining Marshals. This initiative was officially launched by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, on March 21, 2024.
As part of its operational expansion, Attah revealed that over 2,509 specially trained personnel have been deployed across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to reinforce security in mining areas.
These officers have been instrumental in shutting down illegal mining sites, arresting offenders, and conducting both overt and covert clearance operations.
The Combatant Mining Marshal Squad Leader also praised the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for creating an enabling environment for officers to be trained and equipped with the necessary skills to carry out their duties professionally and patriotically.
Attah assured that the squad remains committed to its mission, vowing to intensify operations against illegal miners and their networks.
“We are very optimistic that with the encouragement and strategies put in place by the Commandant General, our vigor is further renewed. The squad is poised to smoke out illegal miners and their cartels without compromise,” he declared.
With the ongoing crackdown, the NSCDC Mining Marshals are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that mining activities in Nigeria adhere to legal frameworks while protecting legitimate mining sites and title holders from exploitation.
