Mining Marshals Intensify Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Mining

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have intensified enforcement operations across the country as part of renewed efforts to tackle illegal mining and ensure compliance with regulations governing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The specialised unit said its teams, particularly in the South-West, have recorded significant progress in enforcing mining laws and regulations, reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to curb illegal mining and protect the nation’s mineral resources.

The Mining Marshals were established as a specialised enforcement mechanism to support ongoing reforms in the solid minerals sector and combat illegal mining and other violations across the country.

Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, warned mining operators against violating existing regulations, stressing that ignorance of the law would not exempt offenders from prosecution.

“Ignorance of the law will never be an excuse. Every operator must ensure that mining activities are conducted within the ambit of the law. Those who choose to operate outside the regulatory framework will face the full weight of legal consequences,” Attah said.

According to him, the intensified enforcement campaign is aimed not only at stopping illegal mining but also at protecting legitimate investors, improving government revenue and restoring integrity to a sector that has suffered years of regulatory breaches and economic losses.

Attah said lawful, safe and sustainable mining practices remained essential to unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The latest enforcement drive is also in line with the reform agenda of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which is seeking to reposition mining as a key driver of economic diversification and national development.

The ministry has consistently stressed the need for strict regulatory compliance, protection of legitimate investors and the eradication of illegal mining to improve investor confidence and increase the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

The renewed enforcement campaign also reflects the strategic focus of the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, whose administration has prioritised the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

Under Audi’s leadership, the Corps has strengthened institutional support for the Mining Marshals, positioning the unit as a key enforcement arm in the government’s efforts to curb illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources and reduce revenue leakages.

The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to collaborating with relevant regulatory agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the country’s mineral resources are exploited responsibly and in accordance with the law.

The Corps maintained that the objective was to ensure that Nigeria’s mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to economic growth while being preserved for future generations.

As enforcement operations continue nationwide, the Mining Marshals have warned that mining operators must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, stressing that compliance is not optional.