Abuja: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says its Mining Marshals have intensified the crackdown on illegal mining, arresting hundreds of suspects and securing convictions nationwide.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the corps spokesperson, ACC Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Joint Security News Briefing organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser. Afolabi stated that the Mining Marshals arrested more than 300 suspected illegal miners, prosecuted over 150, and secured several convictions. The operations involved both Nigerian and foreign nationals whose activities posed threats to Nigeria’s mineral resources and economic security.
Afolabi highlighted that the figures demonstrate the growing impact of the specialised unit in disrupting illegal mining networks and protecting the country’s mineral wealth. He explained that the marshals were established to support the government’s efforts to sanitise the mining sector, protect legitimate operators, and prevent criminal exploitation of mineral resources.
In addressing allegations of misconduct within the unit, Afolabi stressed that the Corps would not allow isolated infractions by personnel to undermine its legitimate operations. He mentioned that personnel found culpable of wrongdoing had been subjected to disciplinary measures, including dismissal and prosecution where necessary. This included the dismissal of two operatives and their recommendation for prosecution after investigations found them guilty of unlawfully supplying firearms to illegal miners.
Furthermore, Afolabi reported that investigations cleared the Mining Marshals Commander, ACC John Attah, and other management personnel of allegations related to the death of an operative in Nasarawa. The investigation found no evidence linking the commander or the management team to the alleged diversion of N2 billion or any attempt to cover up the circumstances surrounding the death. ‘The allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis,’ Afolabi said.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to accountability, stating that personnel who violated the law would be investigated and sanctioned appropriately. He emphasized that illegal mining posed threats beyond environmental degradation, noting that the criminal exploitation of mineral resources could fuel organised crime and illicit financial activities.
To combat these threats, Afolabi said the Mining Marshals are combining enforcement, intelligence gathering, and stakeholder engagement to protect mining communities and legitimate operators. He urged Nigerians to provide credible information that could assist the Corps in identifying illegal mining sites and dismantling criminal networks. Afolabi assured that the NSCDC would sustain its operations to ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources are protected and harnessed for national development rather than exploited to fund criminal activities.