Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has issued a stern warning to individuals, groups, and even uniformed security personnel against confronting, harassing, intimidating, or blackmailing officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals, declaring that anyone who obstructs their operations will be treated as an economic saboteur.

Alake delivered the warning in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of eight newly acquired gun trucks for the Mining Marshals at the NSCDC National Headquarters, an event that also marked the unveiling of a book titled “The Guardians of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals: Two Years of Commitment and Service,” celebrating the unit’s operational record since its establishment.

The minister used the occasion to commend the Mining Marshals for their commitment and sacrifices in the ongoing battle against illegal mining across the country, describing the unit as a critical component of the Federal Government’s drive to sanitise the solid minerals sector and maximise its contribution to national economic growth.

He expressed serious concern over what he described as deliberate and coordinated attempts by vested interests to discredit, undermine and blackmail officers of the special enforcement unit.

“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 minister’s warning came against the backdrop of a festering feud between the Mining Marshals and the Nigeria Police Force, following the arrest of three NSCDC operatives over the death of a colleague and allegations that over two billion naira was traced to a suspect’s bank account.

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja, had dismissed the police claims as false, pointing instead at foreign elements and their local conspirators as being responsible for the operative’s death.

Alake made clear that the Federal Government would not waver in its backing for the unit, regardless of opposition from any quarter. “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,” the minister declared. He also warned that anyone caught aiding, sponsoring or operating illegal mining sites would face arrest and prosecution without exception.

The minister reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning the solid minerals sector as a major pillar of economic diversification and announced that the ministry had made budgetary provision for the procurement of additional modern technological gadgets, armoured vests, and vehicles to further strengthen the operational capacity of the Mining Marshals going forward.