The Federal Government of Nigeria has celebrated the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals, a dedicated security corps formed to combat illegal mining and enforce the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Law, 2007.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, highlighted the corps’ achievements over the past year, revealing that its ranks had expanded from 2,220 to 2,670 officers.
“The corps has arrested 327 individuals involved in illegal mining, with cases being prosecuted in various courts nationwide. Additionally, over 98 mining sites previously occupied by illegal operators have been reclaimed, allowing legitimate license holders to resume operations,” Alake stated.
He emphasized that these recoveries would enhance government revenue through increased royalties and strengthen the solid minerals sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
Alake acknowledged the role of law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and the media in the fight against illegal mining. He announced an annual award for the Best Report on Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria, to be managed by the Diamonds Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), with the inaugural edition set for this year.
To further enhance surveillance, the minister disclosed plans to deploy satellite technology and adopt non-kinetic approaches to engage with artisanal miners.
“The success of the Mining Marshals proves the effectiveness of our strategy in combating illegal mining, and the corps will continue playing a critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s solid minerals sector,” he added.
The Mining Marshals’ first major clearance operation was conducted at Mining Lease 19325, owned by North South Extractive Industries Limited, in Jagula, Yagba East LGA, Kogi State. Over 3,000 illegal miners had taken control of the site, preventing the rightful owners from accessing their legally obtained license since 2016. The Marshals successfully evicted the illegal operators and have since maintained security at the site.
Other significant operations were carried out at: Ganan Mining Limited (ML 56757) – Kuje, FCT; Jinloys Nigeria Limited (QL 22284) – Uru Lopaukwu, Abia State; and Orbit Exploration & Natural Products Ltd (ML 772) – Ankpa, Kogi State
In the past year, the Mining Marshals identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and significantly improved intelligence gathering to track illicit activities.
Alake assured that the corps’ operations would be expanded across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to further protect Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Director General of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office, Obadiah Nkom, praised Alake’s leadership, noting that the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) had conferred its highest honor on him for his contributions to the sector.
Assistant Commandant John Attah, who leads the Mining Marshals, reaffirmed the corps’ dedication to protecting Nigeria’s mineral assets.
“Since our deployment, we have been working tirelessly to combat illegal mining, provide security at mining sites, and restore confidence for both local and foreign investors. We remain committed to executing our mandate with professionalism and patriotism,” Attah stated.
With improved enforcement strategies and increasing national coverage, the Mining Marshals are set to play an even greater role in reshaping Nigeria’s solid minerals sector in the years ahead.
