NIGERIA: FG Deploys Gun Trucks, Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Mining

By Ameenat Hamzat, Abuja, Nigeria

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining through stronger inter-agency collaboration and enhanced security operations across the solid minerals sector.

This assurance was given on Thursday by the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Maj. Gen. A.M. Jibril (rtd), who represented the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Sauka, Abuja.

Maj. Gen. Jibril said the Ministry of Interior would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to protect national assets.

He stated: “The Ministry of Interior is committed to strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s solid mineral resources and enhance national security.”

He added that the ministry would support security agencies in tackling illegal mining activities across the country.

“We are ready to work closely with all security agencies to combat illegal mining activities and protect the nation’s economic assets,” he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to eliminate illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage.

He said: “This administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to deploying all necessary measures to eliminate illegal mining and other acts of sabotage within the mining sector.”

Alake added that securing mineral resources was central to national development efforts.

“Securing Nigeria’s mineral resources remains a critical component of the government’s strategy for economic growth, revenue generation, and sustainable national development,” he said.

The event also showcased the achievements of the NSCDC Mining Marshals over the past two years and featured the commissioning of eight operational gun trucks to strengthen field operations against illegal miners.