FG Cracks Down on Illegal Mining with 300 Arrests

In a move to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources, the Federal Government has arrested 300 illegal miners, including foreign nationals, as part of its broader strategy to transform the mining sector. This development was revealed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, during a strategic briefing with the House Committee on Solid Minerals in Abuja.

The enforcement action comes amid a security overhaul that has seen the deployment of over 2,000 trained mine marshals across the country. This initiative, supported by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, represents a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Ministry of Interior to protect mining regions.

During the oversight visit at the Ministry’s headquarters, Alake outlined how this enhanced security framework complements the ministry’s 7-point agenda for sector revitalization. The minister emphasized that the crackdown on unauthorized mining operations serves a dual purpose of protecting local communities and enhancing Nigeria’s reputation in the global mining community.

Alake detailed plans to establish Nigeria as a global mineral hub, reporting that outreach efforts have already caught the attention of major international investors. This increased interest suggests the potential for new partnerships that could boost the sector’s growth.

The minister highlighted that these initiatives, backed by legislative support, are creating a more secure and attractive environment for mining investment.