The Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja Attah, has implored journalists nationwide to align themselves as allies in the Federal Government’s initiative to combat illegal mining, cautioning that this scourge poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s economy, environment, and national security.

He made this appeal during a media briefing organized by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council in Abuja.

The gathering was graced by the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh Alao, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke, and senior figures from the security and mining sectors.

Attah explained that the Mining Marshals, an enforcement division of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were established under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, to restore order in the mining sector and safeguard the nation’s mineral assets.

He stated that Nigeria has forfeited billions of naira in revenue due to illegal mining, resulting in degraded farmlands and disrupted communities. He clarified that the Mining Marshals constitute not merely another task force but an elite unit operating under well-defined legal frameworks and adhering to a stringent code of conduct.

“Illegal mining has exacted a heavy toll on this nation in terms of lost revenue and community devastation. Our mission is unequivocal: to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral wealth for the benefit of all. However, this endeavor is not solely for security agencies. We require the media to stand in solidarity with us,” he declared.

The Commander revealed that the Marshals have already dismantled numerous illegal mining camps, apprehended and prosecuted culprits, and restored tranquility in regions previously afflicted by resource conflicts.

He added that dormant provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and the Mining Regulations 2011 have been revitalized to bolster enforcement, including statutes imposing life imprisonment on those transporting minerals without proper registration.

“Even license holders who exceed their limits or operate unlawfully are now facing prosecution. We are enforcing the law to its fullest extent,” he affirmed.

He acknowledged, however, that the Marshals encounter significant hurdles such as inadequate logistics, challenging terrains, and violent resistance from entrenched interests benefiting from illegal mining. He also noted that in some communities, limited awareness about the perils of illegal mining has hindered enforcement efforts.

Attah took the opportunity to caution against what he termed “rogue journalism,” asserting that certain vested interests have sponsored false reports to discredit the Marshals. He cited an instance in Nasarawa State where, according to him, a reporter attempted to shield illegal miners through biased coverage.

“We hold the media in high regard as partners in nation-building. Yet, we must appeal for professionalism. When unverifiable claims are published, it erodes public trust and undermines the national interest,” he stated.

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He emphasized that the Marshals would not be swayed by blackmail but would prefer to continue collaborating with the media to expose resource theft and educate communities.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, assured that the union would persist in promoting professionalism among journalists. She stated that the media must serve as watchdogs, but also as partners in nation-building.

“Our responsibility is to hold institutions accountable, but also to narrate the story of progress where it is being achieved. Illegal mining is an issue that affects all Nigerians, and we will continue to give it the attention it deserves,” she affirmed.

On his part, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke, stated that the activities of illegal miners have been a significant challenge for licensed operators. He welcomed the efforts of the Mining Marshals, asserting that it has instilled renewed confidence in the sector among genuine investors.

“Illegal miners create insecurity, deprive the government of revenue, and deter investors. We are pleased that the Marshals are addressing these issues decisively. However, much remains to be done to encourage formal miners who fulfill their obligations and comply with the law,” he remarked.

Also speaking, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, said the Nigeria Police was working in close collaboration with the NSCDC and other security agencies to secure the mining sector. He commended the Mining Marshals for their accomplishments thus far, emphasizing that inter-agency cooperation is the only path to success.

“The criminal gangs involved in illegal mining are often the same groups behind banditry and violence in our communities. By working together, we can sever their funding sources and make our communities safer,” Alao stated.

In his closing remarks, Attah said the fight against illegal mining is ultimately about safeguarding the future.

“This struggle is for our children and generations yet unborn. It is about protecting livelihoods, securing revenue, and ensuring that Nigeria’s mineral wealth becomes a blessing. With the media as our ally, we can prevail in this battle,” he concluded.