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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has revealed that Nigeria’s intensified war against illegal mining has led to the arrest of 327 offenders and the recovery of 98 illegal mining sites within the past year.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to mark the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals, Alake attributed this success to the dedication of the special enforcement unit.
He emphasized that the initiative has restored access to legally licensed operators while significantly deterring illegal mining activities.
“The activation of the Mining Marshals sent shivers down the spine of illegal miners. It is no longer business as usual,” Alake declared.
He highlighted a landmark operation in Kogi State, where over 3,000 illegal miners were expelled from a mining site belonging to North South Extractive Industries Limited. Similar recoveries were made in Abuja, Abia, and Kogi states.
To strengthen enforcement, the Mining Marshals have identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and ramped up intelligence gathering.
The minister also disclosed that 147 illegal miners have been arraigned in court, including foreign offenders convicted in Kwara State.
Currently operating in 10 states, the Marshals are set for nationwide expansion, incorporating satellite technology, drones, and miniature robots for enhanced surveillance.
Alake commended security agencies and the judiciary for their role in tackling illegal mining and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the sector’s contribution to national revenue.
Additionally, he announced the launch of an annual award for the Best Report on Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria, in partnership with the Diamonds Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), to promote responsible journalism in the sector.
