FG launches eight gun trucks to boost fight against illegal mining

The Federal Government has procured and launched eight operational gun trucks to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals and crack down on illegal mining across the country.

Speaking at the symbolic commissioning ceremony and the unveiling of the book, “The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service by the Mining Marshals,” the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, assured the outfit of sustained government support.

He noted that state-of-the-art technological equipment and armored vehicles would be provided as soon as budgetary provisions are secured.

Dr. Alake, who was accompanied by the representative of the Minister of Interior, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd.), expressed immense satisfaction with the unit’s track record.

He revealed that within just two years of existence, the Mining Marshals have apprehended over 300 illegal miners, prosecuted more than 150 suspects, and secured numerous convictions involving both local and foreign nationals.

According to the Minister, the Mining Marshals a specialized unit carved out of the NSCDC has significantly contributed to boosting Nigeria’s non-oil revenue, helping diversify the economy away from petroleum dependency.

Dr. Alake strongly condemned the desperate attempts by illegal miners and their collaborators to frustrate ongoing national operations, labeling them “saboteurs” and “enemies of the state” who will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (Rtd.) of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), commended the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development for its unwavering support.

He emphasized that the collaboration has successfully safeguarded the nation’s mineral deposits and pledged the Interior Ministry’s full backing for future training, increased funding, and enhanced firepower.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR represented by the Deputy Commandant General (DCG) in charge of Technical Services, DCG Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, fdc described the Ministry’s intervention as revolutionary and unprecedented.

While describing illegal mining as a critical menace to national development, the Commandant General assured that the NSCDC would maintain its robust synergy with the Ministry, promising that the newly acquired gun trucks would be deployed strictly for their intended purposes.

Providing an overview of their achievements, the National Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, expressed gratitude to both ministries.

He stated that the new logistics support would inevitably translate into greater operational successes. ACC Onoja urged all Nigerians to support the unit, stressing that the activities of unregistered mining operators amount to the theft of the nation’s commonwealth and must be fiercely resisted.

He further called on sister security agencies to sustain their collaborative spirit with the Marshals.

SIGNED:

BABAWALE AFOLABI, ANIPR
ASSISTANT COMMANDANT OF CORPS
NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS