The Federal Government has marked the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals, a specialized security corps established to combat illegal mining and enforce the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Law, 2007.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, outlined the achievements of the Mining Marshals, noting that their ranks had grown from 2,220 officers to 2,670 within a year.
“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 “increase government revenue through improved royalties and strengthen the solid minerals sector’s contribution to the economy.”
Strengthening the Fight Against Illegal Mining
Alake acknowledged the vital roles played by the police, armed forces, and judiciary in the crackdown on illegal mining. He also commended the media for their “responsible and patriotic reporting on the solid minerals sector.”
As part of efforts to encourage quality journalism, the minister announced the establishment of an annual award for the Best Report on Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria, which will be managed by Diamonds Awards for Media Excellence (DAME). The inaugural event is scheduled to take place this year.
To further bolster the Mining Marshals’ operations, Alake disclosed plans to deploy satellite technology for enhanced surveillance and adopt non-kinetic approaches to foster collaboration between the government and 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.
Major Achievements and Future Plans
The first major clearance operation was carried out 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—who obtained the license in 2016—from accessing it.
The Mining Marshals successfully evicted the illegal miners and have since maintained security at the site. Similar operations were conducted at:
Ganan Mining Limited (ML 56757) – Kuje, FCT
Jinloys Nigeria Limited (QL 22284) – Uru Lopaukwu, Abia State
Orbit Exploration & Natural Products Ltd (ML 772) – Ankpa, Kogi State
Expanding Nationwide Operations
In the past year, the Mining Marshals identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and significantly improved intelligence gathering.
Alake assured that “the corps’ operations will be expanded across all 36 states and the FCT to secure Nigeria’s solid minerals industry and protect national assets.”
Commendations from Stakeholders
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 remarkable achievements in the sector.
“Within just one year, he has successfully established the Mining Marshals and the Solid Minerals Corporation—two critical institutions transforming the sector,” Nkom stated.
Assistant Commandant John Attah, leader of the Mining Marshals, reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral resources.
“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 said.
With strengthened enforcement strategies and growing national coverage, the Mining Marshals are set to play an even greater role in reshaping Nigeria’s solid minerals sector in the coming years.
