The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has said that the war against illegal mining in the last one year has led to the arrest of 327 offenders and recovery of 98 illegal mining sites.

He attributed this achievement to the patriotic and determined efforts of the Mining Marshals, a special enforcement unit established exactly a year ago.

Alake who spoke at a press conference to mark the first anniversary of the Mining Marshal on Friday in Abuja, said that the special unit has succeeded in restoring access to legally licensed operators to their mining sites.

Commending the Marshal, the Minister noted that the initiative has significantly deterred illegal mining activities, which had previously crippled legitimate businesses and posed security threats.

?The activation of the Mining Marshals sent shivers down the spine of illegal miners. It is no longer business as usual,? he declared.

Alake recalled that but for the Mining Marshals? intervention, several licensed mining companies had lost access to their sites due to encroachment by illegal miners, some of whom had occupied these locations for over a decade.

He cited a landmark operation by the Mining Marshal at North South Extractive Industries Limited in Kogi State, where over 3,000 illegal miners were flushed out.

Other sites recovered include: Ganan Mining Limited (Kuje, FCT); Jinloys Nigeria Limited (Abia State); Orbit Exploration and Natural Products Limited (Kogi State).

To strengthen enforcement, the Mining Marshals have identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and improved intelligence gathering.

The Minister also said within the period under review, 147 of the illegal mining operators were arraigned before the courts, including the conviction of foreign illegal miners in Kwara State, as a signal of government?s resolve to stall further activities of illegal miners across the country.

Currently operating in 10 States of the country, the Minister said in the new year plans are on by his Ministry to expand the Marshal coverage nationwide, integrate satellite technology, drones, and miniature robots for surveillance.

Alake affirmed that ?for the first time, we are providing both air and ground coverage for the security of the solid minerals sector.?

The Minister also commended security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, for their role in arresting illegal miners, while acknowledging the judiciary?s swift action in prosecuting offender.

For the years ahead, the Minister reaffirmed government?s commitment to consolidating gains, flushing out more illegal miners, and boosting Nigeria?s solid minerals contribution to national revenue.

Alake also announced the institution of an annual prize for the Best Report on Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria, to be administered by the Diamonds Awards for Media Excellence (DAME). The initiative, he said, aims to encourage responsible and impactful journalism in the sector.

?The Nigerian press has been serious, comprehensive, and patriotic in its coverage of the solid minerals sector. This award will further enhance public awareness,? he stated.

National Commandant of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commander Mathacho Onoja attributed the successes recorded by the special enforcement unit to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Mining Marshals initiated by the Minister.

?Since our launch, we have responded to numerous petitions from legitimate mineral title holders who have been unable to access their sites due to the activities of illegal miners and, in some cases, bandits,? Onoja said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by the operatives, including dangerous terrains and security risks, but emphasized that the team remains committed to protecting Nigeria?s solid minerals sector from illegal exploitation.

?Our driving force is the commitment to safeguarding the sector. The words of encouragement from the Honourable Minister mean more to us than money. They have kept our morale high despite limited logistics,? he added.

Onoja further revealed that the Mining Marshals have expanded their presence nationwide, with multiple batches of trained operatives deployed to strategic mining sites. He commended the collaboration between the NSCDC and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, noting that the initiative aligns with the federal government?s economic agenda to reposition the mining sector as a viable alternative to oil revenue. (Nation)

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