The Federal Government has warned individuals and groups against confronting, harassing or attempting to blackmail personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, stressing that such actions amount to economic sabotage.

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

Alake said the Mining Marshals, established to combat illegal mining activities and sanitise the nation’s solid minerals sector, have faced resistance from persons and institutions who benefit from unlawful mining operations.

The minister maintained that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting the marshals and supporting their efforts to curb illegal mining across the country.

He warned that anyone, whether a security operative or civilian, who seeks to obstruct the activities of the Mining Marshals would be treated as an economic saboteur.

According to him, the government will not relent in its crackdown on illegal mining, adding that those who aid, sponsor or operate illegal mining sites will face arrest and prosecution.

Alake reiterated the administration’s determination to strengthen security measures in the mining sector and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources are exploited legally for the benefit of the nation’s economy.