Nigerians have been called upon to rally behind the Mining Marshals, a dedicated security task force created to safeguard mining sites and combat illegal mining activities across the country.
This appeal was made by Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah Onoja, who also serves as the Commander of the Mining Marshals, during an exclusive interview with Voice of Nigeria.
ACC Onoja emphasised the Mining Marshals’ commitment to enforcing existing mining laws, working collaboratively with other security agencies, and ensuring Nigeria’s mining sector becomes more secure, transparent, and productive.
He said the initiative is not just a government project but a “Nigerian project” that requires the support of all citizens.
“Nigerians should see the Mining Marshals as a Nigerian project—not a personal initiative, nor a ministry’s agenda, but a national mission to save and sanitize the mining sector,” Onoja stated.
The Mining Marshals are drawn from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Their core mandate is to combat illegal mining, enforce mining regulations, and protect critical national assets within the mining industry.
According to Onoja, over 2,220 operatives were deployed at the inception of the unit, with more personnel currently being mobilised to strengthen operations nationwide.
ACC Onoja noted that the Mining Marshals began operations by engaging with stakeholders in writing to inform them of the new enforcement initiative. He emphasised that their primary role is to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and its accompanying regulations.
“Our operations start with intelligence gathering. Where necessary, we issue invitations to erring operators, conduct investigations, and collaborate with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Mining Cadastre Office to determine compliance levels,” he explained.
The unit does not operate in isolation; it liaises with state-level stakeholders, traditional rulers, and sister agencies. Onoja stressed that cooperation is crucial to success and that the NSCDC places a high premium on synergy and community engagement.
Highlighting their strategic use of technology, Onoja revealed that the Mining Marshals have incorporated drone surveillance into their operations, especially in remote and inaccessible terrains.
“We currently have drone pilots on our team. In certain areas that are not motorable, drone mapping allows us to make well-informed operational decisions. This is essential for precision, safety, and efficiency,” he said.
The formation of the Mining Marshals was spearheaded by NSCDC Commandant General, Abubakar Audi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, led by Oladele Alake. The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s seven-point agenda to restore order and revenue generation in Nigeria’s mining sector.
The Commander reaffirmed the Marshals’ readiness to hold all violators of mining laws accountable, regardless of status or affiliations.
“Anyone who undermines the Mining Regulations will face the full weight of the law. This is a national duty, and we are committed to delivering results,” Onoja asserted.
As the Mining Marshals continue to expand their reach and capacity, ACC Onoja encouraged the public, stakeholders, and communities to work hand-in-hand with the operatives to ensure that Nigeria’s vast mineral resources are protected for national development.