By Fatima Saka
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, has reiterated that illegal mining in Nigeria is not limited to a single group but involves influential figures across various sectors, including the executive, legislature, judiciary, security agencies, traditional institutions, and even the general public.
Dr. Alake made this assertion on Friday in Abuja while addressing journalists at the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals, a special unit established to combat illegal mining activities.
Illegal Mining Involves All Sectors of Society
Speaking candidly, Dr. Alake emphasized that illegal mining is a deep-rooted problem cutting across all levels of society.
“I told the distinguished Senators that powerful individuals are involved in illegal mining. These are not just ordinary people; they include lawmakers, security personnel, traditional rulers, and even members of the judiciary. It is not limited to ex-military generals; the military itself is involved. Every sector of Nigerian society has a hand in it,” he stated.
The Minister recalled a past session at the Senate where he made similar revelations, highlighting that illegal mining is a systemic issue requiring collective action.
Responding to remarks by Senator Adams Oshiomhole on military involvement in illegal mining, Dr. Alake noted that the statement was not news to him.
“I made these revelations over a year ago on the Senate floor. After an explosion in Oyo State, a journalist at the scene asked me if I feared for my life after making such strong allegations. I told him I wasn’t afraid because I was speaking the truth. There is a saying in my part of the country: whether you speak or not, you will die someday. So, why not speak the truth and have a clear conscience?”
He stressed the need for an all-inclusive approach to tackle illegal mining, urging collaboration among various institutions.
“This is not a fight for the government alone. It requires the support of the military, police, judiciary, and relevant agencies. We must work together to stop those who are looting our national resources for personal gain,” he added.
Mining Marshals Year of Progress
Reflecting on the achievements of the Mining Marshals, Dr. Alake commended their dedication in tackling illegal mining.
“The Solid Minerals sector has witnessed significant progress with the activation of the Mining Marshals, a key component of our seven-point agenda for domestic consolidation and international competitiveness,” he said.
Since their establishment, the number of Mining Marshals has grown from 2,220 to 2,670, following the recruitment of 450 new officers.
“The creation of this corps to enforce the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Law (2007) sent a strong message to illegal miners that business-as-usual is over,” he added.
Dr. Alake acknowledged the role of the Federal Executive Council in setting up an inter-ministerial committee to develop a security framework for protecting the country’s natural resources.
“To speed up enforcement, we mobilized existing security structures to tackle illegal mining head-on,” he said.
Commendations for Security Agencies and Judiciary
The Minister lauded the efforts of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their unwavering support in training and equipping the Mining Marshals.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between security agencies and the judiciary in ensuring justice.
“The police, military, and anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC have played a crucial role in arresting and prosecuting illegal miners. The judiciary, on its part, has handed down sentences to both local and foreign offenders,” he stated.
He cited recent convictions, including the sentencing of two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, by a Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State.
“The EFCC has been instrumental in prosecuting illegal miners. Just last year, two other foreign nationals, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, were sentenced to one year in prison for illegal mining,” he noted.
Road Ahead of Consequences of non Compliance
Dr. Alake reiterated that illegal miners still have a chance to comply with regulations.
“For those operating without licenses, the window of compliance remains open. They should form cooperatives and register with the government. However, those who refuse to comply will be treated as economic saboteurs,” he warned.
He stressed that while some illegal miners are simply trying to survive, others engage in criminal activities, including banditry and insurgency.
“This is why the Mining Marshals operate as a multi-force agency, integrating the police and armed forces. They serve as the first line of engagement before full military intervention,” he explained.
Arrests and Deterrence of Illegal Miners
Dr. Alake highlighted the tangible impact of the Mining Marshals over the past year.
“The increased visibility and enforcement capacity of the Mining Marshals have created a deterrent effect among illegal miners,” he stated.
According to the Minister, In just 12 months, 327 suspects have been arrested and are currently facing prosecution across various courts in the country.
“This proves that our strategy to secure the mining sector is both effective and sustainable. We are committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s natural resources benefit all citizens rather than a few individuals,” he added.
Prior to the minister’s responses, Assistant Commander John Onoja, the National Commandant of the Mining Marshals, highlighted the crucial role of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in formulating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Mining Marshals. He noted that this framework has been instrumental in ensuring professionalism and efficiency in their enforcement efforts.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the operatives, including hazardous terrains and security threats, Onoja emphasized the team’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s solid minerals sector from illegal exploitation.
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He further revealed that the Mining Marshals have expanded their operations nationwide, with multiple batches of trained personnel strategically deployed to key mining sites.
He commended the strong collaboration between the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, describing it as a vital step in advancing the federal government’s economic agenda to position the mining sector as a sustainable alternative to oil revenue.
Onoja also expressed appreciation for media organizations, acknowledging their role in amplifying public awareness of the Mining Marshals’ efforts in combating illegal mining.
