The Federal Government has reaffirmed its confidence in the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), warning individuals and groups seeking to undermine the unit’s operations to desist or face legal consequences.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, issued the warning on Wednesday during the inauguration of eight newly acquired gun trucks for the Mining Marshals at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.

Alake commended the special enforcement unit for its role in combating illegal mining activities across the country, describing its operations as a critical component of the Federal Government’s strategy to sanitise the solid minerals sector and unlock its economic potential.

He said the Mining Marshals had demonstrated commitment and professionalism in tackling illegal mining, protecting mineral resources and supporting ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the sector as a key driver of economic diversification.

The minister expressed concern over what he described as deliberate attempts by certain vested interests to discredit, intimidate and harass members of the unit.

According to him, many of those opposing the activities of the Mining Marshals are beneficiaries of illegal mining operations that have deprived the country of significant revenue and undermined legitimate investors.

“The Mining Marshals have recorded significant successes in curbing illegal mining operations and protecting the nation’s mineral resources. 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,” Alake said.

He stressed that the Federal Government remains fully committed to supporting the unit and would continue to provide the logistics, equipment and institutional backing required for it to effectively carry out its mandate.

“Anyone, whether a uniformed personnel or a civilian, who seeks to frustrate the noble work of these Mining Marshals is an economic saboteur and will be treated as such. That I can promise you,” he said.

Alake said the deployment of the eight gun trucks forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of the Mining Marshals, enabling them to respond more effectively to threats, dismantle illegal mining sites and secure strategic mineral assets across the country.

He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the solid minerals sector into a major pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda, adding that the administration would sustain efforts to eliminate illegal mining and promote responsible resource development.

The minister also called on host communities, traditional institutions, security agencies and industry stakeholders to support the activities of the Mining Marshals in restoring transparency, accountability and order within the mining sector.

According to him, safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral wealth requires collective responsibility, warning that individuals found aiding or abetting illegal mining activities would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Alake said the government’s ongoing reforms are aimed at ensuring that the nation’s mineral resources contribute more effectively to economic growth, job creation and national development while protecting the interests of legitimate operators.