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Alake announced that over the course of eight months, Mining Marshals have apprehended 300 illegal miners.

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In a significant development for Nigeria’s mining industry, the government has arrested nearly 300 illegal miners over the past eight months, following the establishment of the Mining Marshals. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made this announcement during a recent briefing with the House Committee on Solid Minerals, where he underscored the ongoing efforts to combat unauthorized mining activities rampant across the nation.

The Mining Marshals, inaugurated in March 2024, represent a strategic initiative aimed at securing Nigeria’s mining sites. This specialized security force, under the leadership of Abubakar Audi, Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was formed to address the alarming prevalence of illegal mining and its associated challenges.

Minister Alake emphasized that the deployment of over 2,000 trained marshals has resulted in a marked decrease in unauthorized mining activities. The apprehension of nearly 300 illegal miners, including foreign nationals, highlights the effectiveness of this initiative in restoring order to a sector that has long been characterized by chaos and exploitation.

“This renewed security architecture is already having a profound impact on our mining landscape,” stated Alake. “Our commitment to safeguarding our mining sites not only enhances national stability but also serves as an invitation to investors seeking reliable partnerships.”

Furthermore, Alake noted that a stronger focus on in-country mineral processing and value addition will enable Nigeria to retain more wealth from its natural resources, marking a shift away from a heavy reliance on raw exports. This proactive approach is also part of a broader vision for the African continent, exemplified by the formation of the African Mineral Strategy Group, which aims to bolster the mining sector across Africa.

In conclusion, the steps taken by the Nigerian government in establishing the Mining Marshals are indicative of a robust effort to enhance security, curb illegal activities, and foster an environment conducive to sustainable investment in the mining industry.

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