The Federal Government has underscored its readiness to confront saboteurs in the solid minerals sector, by arming its mining marshals with gun trucks.
It has also warned against confrontation, harassment and blackmail of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals.
The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja, at the inauguration of eight new gun trucks on Wednesday at the NSCDC Headquarters.
He said that anyone with intentions to discredit and frustrate the efforts of the mining mashals in sanitising the solid minerals sector of the economy would be seen as a saboteur.
He also said that some mining marshal had been challenged by persons and institutions who in his estimation were direct beneficiaries of illegal mining activities.
“Anyone whether a uniform personnel or not, who seeks to frustrate the noble works of these mining marshals is an economic saboteur and will be treated as such; that I can promise you.
“Once you aid, sponsor or operate illegal mining sites, the government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring your arrest,” he said.
The minister said that the inauguration of the gun trucks was just the beginning of the greater plans the ministry had for the mining marshals.
He also said that the ministry’s budget had made provision for the purchase of modern technological gadgets including armoured vests and vehicles to further protect the mining marshals.
“We shall continue at the administrative level to ensure we put all necessary things and support in place to smoothen your operations.
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“It is no longer business as usual to flout the lines of regulations in Nigeria as there will be consequences,” he warned.
In the last two years, the marshals have successfully arrested more than 300 illegal miners, prosecuted more than 100 and made several convictions of illegal miners from across the country, the minister stated.
“If we are able to drastically reduce their activities, more revenue will flow into the country as we have been able to attract more investors both locally and internationally following the active clampdown of these illegal operators,” he added.
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