The Feds aren’t playing games with illegal mining anymore — and they’ve just armed the Mining Marshals with new firepower to prove it.

So, here’s what went down, according to cbinews.tv: The Federal Government has officially backed the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and they’re not mincing words for anyone messing with the system.

On Wednesday, Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, was at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja to unveil eight brand-new gun trucks for the Mining Marshals. And he used the moment to give the officers a massive pat on the back for their grit and sacrifice.

Alake didn’t hold back. He called the Marshals’ work a “critical component” in the FG’s push to clean up the solid minerals sector and boost what it adds to Nigeria’s economy. Basically, they’re the frontline in the fight against illegal mining — and they’ve been putting in the work.

But it’s not all praise. The Minister also dropped a warning for anyone trying to sabotage the Marshals. His message? Pack it in, or face the full weight of the law.

He flagged some shady moves happening behind the scenes — certain individuals and vested interests allegedly trying to discredit, harass, intimidate, and even blackmail the enforcement unit. Why? Because, in Alake’s words, a lot of them are “direct beneficiaries of the illicit mining ecosystem” that’s been bleeding the country of revenue for years.

“The Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes in curbing illegal mining operations and protecting the nation’s mineral resources,” Alake said. “It is therefore not surprising that those who have profited from illegality are uncomfortable with their achievements and are resorting to campaigns of blackmail and misinformation.”

The FG’s stance? Unshakable. Alake promised continued support — more resources, logistics, and institutional backing — so the Marshals can keep doing their job. And if you try to get in their way, uniform or not, you’re an “economic saboteur” in his books.

Those eight new gun trucks aren’t just for show. They’re meant to boost how quickly the unit can respond to threats, shut down illegal mining sites, and protect strategic mineral assets across the country.

Alake also doubled down on President Bola Tinubu’s plan to make solid minerals a major pillar of economic diversification. The goal is simple: wipe out illegal mining and make sure Nigeria’s mineral wealth actually benefits Nigerians.

His call to action? He’s urging stakeholders, traditional institutions, host communities, and security agencies to rally behind the Mining Marshals. Protecting mineral resources is a collective gig, he stressed — and anyone caught aiding illegal mining will be investigated and prosecuted.

Source: cbinews.tv

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