The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced major gains in its campaign against illegal mining, revealed that its Mining Marshals have arrested 671 suspected illegal miners and prosecuted 397 cases since the special unit was established in 2024.
The National Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, disclosed this while representing the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, at the Stakeholders’ Workshop on Extractive Industries held in Abuja.
Onoja said the Mining Marshals have intensified enforcement operations nationwide, leading to the arrest of hundreds of suspects involved in unauthorised mining activities. He noted that 397 of the cases have been filed before the Federal High Court, with several already concluded.
According to him, the unit has also restored mining sites to licensed operators, strengthened compliance with mining regulations and worked closely with relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders to improve governance in the solid minerals sector.
He said the impact of the ongoing reforms is reflected in the sector’s revenue performance, citing figures from the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), which show that mining revenue rose from about ₦6 billion in 2023 to over ₦70 billion by June 2026.
Onoja attributed the progress to enhanced regulatory compliance, coordinated enforcement and stronger collaboration among key stakeholders.
He commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Nigeria military and other partners for their support in advancing reforms within the mining sector.
The Mining Marshals commander also praised the leadership of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, describing his strategic direction and institutional support as critical to the unit’s successes.
Speaking at the workshop, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security and Anti-Money Laundering, Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, regulatory bodies, mining operators and host communities to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral resources.
He said the committee’s recommendations would focus on strengthening the country’s regulatory framework and promoting responsible exploitation of mineral resources.
Other stakeholders at the workshop advocated increased local mineral processing, improved traceability, greater accountability and stronger partnerships to attract sustainable investment and drive long-term growth in the mining industry.
Despite challenges such as inadequate logistics, manpower and technology, Onoja reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to supporting a well-regulated mining sector capable of creating jobs, boosting government revenue and contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.
