The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Atta Onoja, has reaffirmed the commitment of the security force in combating illegal mining across Nigeria.
In an interview with Voice of Nigeria, ACC Onoja stressed the broader scope of their mission, highlighting systemic challenges.
“We are not just fighting illegal miners; we are also up against an entrenched network of collaborators within the system. Yet we remain undeterred,” ACC Onoja said.
“This fight is not for NSCDC alone. It is for the future of Nigeria. And we will not be deterred,” he emphasised, underlining the national significance of the fight.
ACC Onoja detailed the serious challenges in tackling illegal mining, particularly the involvement of collaborators within official institutions.
He, however, expressed confidence in the backing of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Abubakar Audi, citing their zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
“We are working under a Minister who doesn’t compromise. We will press the full weight of the law against those who try to undermine this national assignment,” he vowed.
Addressing recent allegations of operational failures in parts of Nasarawa State, North-Central Nigeria, ACC Onoja dismissed the claims as baseless.
He described the accusations, allegedly made by a traditional ruler, as “unfortunate and an attempt to blackmail young Nigerians carrying out their statutory responsibilities.”
He explained that the presence of Mining Marshals in Rafingaba, Agwada Development Area of Kokona Local Government, was in response to a formal petition regarding illegal mining.
He clarified that the deployment was not part of routine statewide activities but a targeted operation initiated in October 2024, following credible intelligence and reports from relevant federal agencies.
“We discovered that despite repeated warnings from the Federal Mines Officer, some individuals continued illegal mining. We effected arrests and charged the matter to court,” ACC Onoja said.
During a follow-up operation after some suspects failed to appear for arraignment, authorities arrested three foreign nationals and five Nigerians actively engaged in illegal mining at the same site. He disclosed that the primary suspect and the company involved, identified as Demigloba, remain at large.
Responding to reports that a traditional ruler called for the withdrawal of Mining Marshals from Nasarawa State, ACC Onoja described the complaint as unfounded and likely politically motivated.
“It is appalling that allegations are made without evidence, no death certificates, no families stepping forward. Yet, pictures of supposed deceased individuals are circulated to tarnish our image. Those photos could be from anywhere, even the internet,” ACC Onoja said.
He warned that legal action would be taken against individuals and media outlets peddling unverified claims against the Mining Marshals.
ACC Onoja also revealed that their operations have uncovered links between illegal mining sites and other criminal activities, including drug trafficking and banditry. He confirmed that clearance operations have been conducted at such locations.
According to him, Mining Marshal operations have positively impacted mining communities by raising awareness about safety and environmental standards, enforcing adherence to community development agreements, and promoting the legal registration of mining activities.
“We are seeing higher levels of compliance due to fear of enforcement. Our work is not just about arrests; it’s about fostering sustainable development in mining areas,” he said.
While ACC Onoja refrained from labelling any specific state as an illegal mining hotspot, he stressed that all 36 states possess varying levels of mineral resources and illegal activities.
“Until we have nationwide operational reach, it would be premature to single out any one State,” he noted.