FG deploys eight gun trucks to fight illegal mining

….marks two-year Mining Marshals milestone

The federal government has deployed eight operational gun trucks to strengthen the fight against illegal mining and enhance the operational capacity of the Mining Marshals, a specialised unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The vehicles were commissioned during the unveiling of a commemorative publication titled “The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service by the Mining Marshals,” which chronicles the unit’s achievements over the past two years.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, assured the Mining Marshals of continued government support, stating that “state-of-the-art technological equipment and armored vehicles would be provided as soon as budgetary provisions are secured.”

The minister expressed satisfaction with the unit’s performance, revealing that within two years of operation, the Mining Marshals had arrested more than 300 illegal miners, prosecuted over 150 suspects and secured several convictions involving both Nigerian and foreign nationals.

According to Alake, the unit has played a key role in boosting government revenue from the solid minerals sector and supporting efforts to diversify the economy away from oil dependence.

He also condemned attempts by illegal mining operators to undermine government efforts, describing them as “saboteurs” and “enemies of the state” who would be “dealt with to the full extent of the law.”

Representing the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (rtd.) commended the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development for its support, noting that “the collaboration has successfully safeguarded the nation’s mineral deposits.” He also pledged continued support for training, funding and improved operational capacity for the Mining Marshals.

In his remarks, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, represented by Deputy Commandant General Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, described the ministry’s intervention as “revolutionary and unprecedented.”