The Mining Marshals, a security unit established by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, have successfully shut down an illegal mining operation in the Rafin-Gabas community of Kokona Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The operation, confirmed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, marks a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal mining.
In a press statement released on Thursday by Alake’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Nigerian Mining learned that the Marshals dismantled the illegal site and arrested three foreign nationals involved in the illicit activities. Reports indicate that the site had long evaded law enforcement due to protection from compromised security personnel.
“Through a well-coordinated and strategic operation, the Mining Marshals successfully infiltrated the area, leading to the arrest of three foreign nationals. While several other suspects managed to escape, it is believed that some were aided by certain security operatives,” Alake said in the statement.
The minister praised the Mining Marshals for their efforts, describing the operation as a breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
John Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals, confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the suspects who fled the scene. He also revealed that investigations are ongoing to identify security personnel who may have been complicit in facilitating the illegal mining activities. Furthermore, the company behind the operation, along with the fugitives, is facing criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Mining Marshals were established to tackle the growing challenge of illegal mining in Nigeria. Since their inception in 2024, the Federal Government has arrested 327 individuals and successfully prosecuted 143 for illegal mining. Drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Marshals have undergone specialised training to handle illegal miners, bandits, and other criminal elements within the country’s mining sector.
The Nasarawa operation is part of a broader national effort to enforce mining regulations, ensuring that the sector operates legally and sustainably for the country’s economic benefit.
