By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake has said that the mining Marshals have made significant impact on curbing illegal mining activities and restoring investor confidence in the sector within the first anniversary of its estanlishment.
Disclosing this on his X account on Sunday, Alake hinted that at a recent press conference marking the first anniversary of our Mining Marshals, I emphasised that the corps’ establishment has significantly disrupted unauthorised mining activities and restored investor confidence in our sector.
According to him, Since its inception, the Mining Marshals have made substantial strides across 10 states, including Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory. The corps’ efforts have led to the arrest of 327 suspected illegal miners, the arraignment of 143 individuals, and the recovery of 98 mining sites. In addition, 457 illegal mining sites have been identified and are under investigation.
Over the past year, the Mining Marshals’ personnel have increased from 2,220 to 2,670 operatives, strengthening the federal government’s presence and capabilities in tackling illegal mining. The initiative has also helped raise public awareness of the government’s commitment to enforcement in the sector.
Looking ahead, the head of the Mining Marshals reaffirmed the corps’ dedication to further expansion. Plans include enhanced logistics, recruitment of additional personnel, and improved equipment and ammunition, all aimed at continuing the fight against illegal mining and ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability, Alake added.
