The National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC) and Nigeria Mines Ranger Services (NMRS) have called on Nigeria's National Assembly to expedite action on legislation establishing a specialised Mines Rangers Service. This service aims to strengthen the fight against illegal mining and associated criminal activities across the country. The call was made on September 21, 2026, in Abuja, during a press briefing to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace.
The Commandant General of NUPEC/NMRS, Dr Chinedu Nneji, stated that the proposed Mines Rangers Service would enhance the country's capacity to protect mineral resources, mining communities, and legitimate mining activities. The service would also support efforts to combat the illegal exploitation of Nigeria's natural resources. According to Dr Nneji, the National Assembly had already considered the Nigeria Mines Rangers (Establishment) Bill, including Senate Bill 523, which has been passed by the Senate and transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
A properly regulated and professional Mines Rangers Service, operating in collaboration with existing security agencies and relevant government institutions, could improve regulatory compliance and assist in curbing illegal mining. The service could also contribute to protecting mining communities and Nigeria's mineral resources while potentially increasing government revenue from lawful mining activities. Dr Nneji commiserated with the Federal Government over the deaths of 37 alleged illegal miners in Niger State, saying the incident underscored the need for stronger institutional mechanisms to address security challenges associated with mining activities.
Dr Nneji linked some security challenges in mining communities to competition over land and natural resources, illegal exploitation, environmental degradation, and unemployment. He stated that Nigeria's vast deposits of liquid and solid minerals had created both economic opportunities and security challenges, particularly where illegal exploitation and criminal activities occurred. The challenges varied across regions, from the Niger Delta to the Sahel and other mineral-producing communities, but required coordinated and sustainable responses.
Dr Nneji called for a comprehensive approach to conflicts such as farmer-herder clashes, arguing that such conflicts could not be attributed to a single cause or resolved by one institution. He advocated sustained dialogue, effective law enforcement, responsible land and natural-resource management, protection of livelihoods, justice, and community-based peacebuilding. Dr Nneji also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assent to the Mines Rangers legislation if and when it reaches his desk.
On a related note, Dr Nneji used the occasion to call on Nigerians to support President Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027, urging the electorate to allow the administration to continue its ongoing work. The political endorsement formed part of the broader address delivered at the International Day of Peace event. Dr Nneji emphasized that peace should not be regarded merely as the absence of war or violence but as the presence of justice, respect for human rights, security, dignity, cooperation, and opportunity.
The 2026 International Day of Peace theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” underscores the need for individuals, communities, and governments to participate actively in building peaceful societies. Dr Nneji stressed that achieving lasting peace required responsible leadership, sacrifice, justice, and the participation of citizens at all levels. He called for continued efforts to build a Nigeria where citizens could live in safety, dignity, and hope, stressing that effective management of the country's natural resources and the prevention of conflicts around them were important components of national peace and stability.
Key points
- The NUPEC/NMRS urges the National Assembly to pass the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service Bill to combat illegal mining.
- The proposed Mines Rangers Service aims to protect mineral resources, mining communities, and legitimate mining activities.
- Dr Nneji also called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027.
