The Commandant General of the National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC) and Nigeria Mines Ranger Services (NMRS), Dr Chinedu S. Nneji, has called for stronger investment in the protection and responsible management of Nigeria’s mineral resources, warning that illegal mining, environmental degradation and competition over natural resources could undermine peace and security in affected communities.
Nneji made the call on Monday, 21 September 2026, at the NUPEC/NMRS Command Headquarters in Abuja, while marking the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace, themed, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
He said the country’s approach to peace must extend beyond preventing violence to addressing the economic and resource-related factors that can fuel conflicts, particularly in communities affected by mining activities.
According to him, illegal mining poses multiple challenges to Nigeria, including threats to community security, environmental damage, loss of government revenue and the weakening of legitimate mining operations.
Nneji said effective management of Nigeria’s mineral resources was critical to maintaining peace in mining communities and to unlocking the sector’s economic potential.
He noted that competition for land and mineral resources, combined with unemployment and environmental degradation, could heighten tensions in communities across the country.
He therefore called for coordinated action involving government institutions, security agencies, mining stakeholders and host communities to address illegal mining and other challenges affecting the sector.
Against this backdrop, the NUPEC/NMRS chief renewed his call for the establishment of a specialised Nigeria Mines Rangers Service, saying a properly regulated and professional service would strengthen security around mining operations and mineral-rich communities.
He said the National Assembly had considered the Nigeria Mines Rangers (Establishment) Bill, including Senate Bill 523, which, according to him, had been passed and transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
“We believe that the establishment of an effective, professional and properly regulated Mines Rangers Service, working in collaboration with existing security agencies and relevant government institutions, can strengthen the protection of mining communities and legitimate mining activities.”
Nneji said the proposed Mines Rangers Service could play an important role in protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources, improving compliance with mining regulations and supporting efforts to curb illegal mining.
He added that reducing illicit mining activities could also help expand legitimate mining operations and increase government revenue from the country’s mineral wealth.
Nneji appealed to the National Assembly and the executive arm of government to support measures to strengthen security and responsible resource management in the mining sector.
