In its first year of operation, Nigeria’s Mining Marshals have made significant strides in combating illegal mining, identifying 457 illegal mining sites, arresting 327 offenders, and recovering 98 mining sites, with many cases now in court.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, celebrated the Marshals’ achievements at a press conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital, marking the anniversary.
He highlighted a major success in Kogi State, where 3,000 illegal miners were evicted from a gold mining site, allowing legitimate operations to resume.
“The Marshals’ force has grown from 2,220 officers to 2,670, with the addition of 450 new recruits.” Dr. Alake emphasised that their efforts have disrupted illegal mining activities, sending a strong message to lawbreakers.
Dr. Alake also noted the government’s establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to protect Nigeria’s natural resources and further strengthen security in the sector.
“Illegal mining, often linked to violence and environmental damage, continues to be a major challenge,” the Minister noted.
Also Read: Nigeria Approves N2.5b Surveillance Satellite to Combat Illegal Mining
FG Cracks Down on Illegal Mining
327 suspects arrested, 98 sites reclaimed as Mining Marshals mark one year. Expansion, tech upgrades, and tougher enforcement ahead.#SolidMineralsNG pic.twitter.com/A1s6xvKtHE
— Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (@Solid_Min_Dev) March 22, 2025
Dr. Alake stressed that the Marshals are confronting these threats using both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, with support from defence and security agencies.
He also pointed to future goals, including expanding operations across all states and fostering collaboration with artisanal miners.
“The activation of a new corps to enforce mining laws has sent shivers down the spine of illegal miners who once operated with impunity,” he said.
The Minister expressed optimism for the future, with plans to improve surveillance through satellite technology and further cooperation with the government and private sector to tackle illegal mining.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onojah, reported progress, with 143 suspects currently facing prosecution.
“We have arrested quite a number of illegal miners, attended to several petitions from legitimate mineral tycoon holders, who found it difficult to access their mining sites because of the activities of illegal miners and bandits in most cases and by so doing, we’ve encountered some challenges in the course of doing this, and I want to assure you that the three doctoral personalities that Mining Marshall operation is blessed with, helped us to navigate in this very moment,” he noted.
Mr. Onojah acknowledged the challenges faced in dangerous terrains but praised the unwavering commitment of the team.
Comments are closed.