NSCDC Mining Marshals Arrest 671 Illegal Mining Suspects, Record Major Gains in Sector Reform
NSCDC Mining Marshals Arrest 671 Illegal Mining Suspects, Record Major Gains in Sector Reform
NSCDC Mining Marshals Arrest 671 Illegal Mining Suspects, Record Major Gains in Sector Reform
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says its Mining Marshals have made significant strides in combating illegal mining and strengthening lawful operations across the country’s solid minerals sector since the special unit was established in 2024.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, disclosed this while speaking at the Stakeholders’ Workshop on Extractive Industries Governance in Abuja. He represented the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR.
According to Onoja, the specialised unit has carried out several intelligence-led enforcement operations nationwide, resulting in the arrest of 671 suspects allegedly involved in illegal mining activities.
He further revealed that 397 cases have been filed before the Federal High Court, with a number of the prosecutions already concluded.
The Mining Marshals, he said, have also played a key role in restoring mining sites to licensed operators, enforcing compliance with mining regulations and collaborating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen governance within the extractive industry.
Onoja noted that reforms in the mining sector have begun to yield positive economic results, citing data from the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), which indicated that revenue generated from the sector rose from about ₦6 billion in 2023 to over ₦70 billion by June 2026.
He attributed the increase to sustained reforms, improved regulatory compliance and enhanced collaboration among key stakeholders.
The Mining Marshals Commander commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Nigerian military and other partners for their continued support in the fight against illegal mining.
He also praised the leadership of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Professor Ahmed Audi, describing his strategic guidance and institutional support as instrumental to the successes recorded by the Mining Marshals.
Speaking at the workshop, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security and Anti-Money Laundering, Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, regulatory bodies, mining operators and host communities.
He said the committee’s recommendations would focus on strengthening governance, improving the regulatory framework and promoting responsible exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Participants at the workshop also underscored the importance of promoting local mineral processing, enhancing traceability, strengthening accountability and fostering greater collaboration to attract sustainable investment and accelerate the growth of the mining industry.
Despite challenges such as logistics, manpower shortages and technological needs, Onoja reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to supporting a transparent, secure and well-regulated mining sector capable of driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s sustainable development.
NSCDC Mining Marshals Arrest 671 Illegal Mining Suspects, Record Major Gains in Sector Reform
