Paragraph 1: The Establishment and Impact of the Mining Marshals
Nigeria’s solid minerals sector has long been plagued by illegal mining activities, leading to revenue loss, environmental degradation, and security challenges. To combat this, the Federal Government established the Mining Marshals Corps in March 2024. This specialized enforcement unit, composed of officers trained to secure mining sites and enforce mining laws, has made significant strides in its first year of operation. According to Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the Marshals have arrested 327 illegal miners, with 147 currently facing prosecution. Their intervention has resulted in the recovery of 98 mining sites, enabling legitimate license holders to resume operations and contribute to the national economy.
Paragraph 2: Deterrence and Enforcement Actions
The presence of the Mining Marshals has acted as a strong deterrent against illegal mining. Minister Alake noted a palpable shift in the operational landscape, stating that illegal mining is "no longer business as usual." Before the Marshals’ intervention, licensed mining companies were often forced off their sites by illegal miners, some of whom had occupied these areas for over a decade. The Marshals have conducted numerous operations, including a significant one at North-South Extractive Industries Limited in Kogi State, where over 3,000 illegal miners were evicted. Other successful operations have taken place in the Federal Capital Territory, Abia State, and various other locations across the country.
Paragraph 3: Intelligence Gathering and Site Recovery
The Mining Marshals employ a combination of proactive patrols, intelligence gathering, and responsive operations to combat illegal mining. They have identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and are actively working to verify and address these locations. One notable operation involved the recovery of Mining Lease 19325 in Jagula, Kogi State, where over 3,000 illegal miners were removed, allowing the rightful owner, who had been barred from operating since 2016, to regain control. The recovery of these sites is crucial not only for the businesses involved but also for the government, as it facilitates the collection of royalties and increases the sector’s contribution to national revenue.
Paragraph 4: Legal Action and International Collaboration
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is working closely with the judiciary to ensure swift prosecution of arrested illegal miners. The conviction of foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining, such as Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan in Kwara State, signals a strong message of deterrence and reinforces the government’s commitment to upholding the law. The Ministry recognizes that illegal mining often involves transnational criminal networks and is actively collaborating with international partners to share information and coordinate efforts to combat this illicit activity. This collaboration extends to sharing best practices, training programs, and joint operations to address cross-border illegal mining operations.
Paragraph 5: Technological Advancements and Inter-Agency Cooperation
Looking ahead, the government plans to further enhance the capabilities of the Mining Marshals by integrating advanced technology into their operations. Minister Alake announced plans to utilize satellite technology, drones, and miniature robots for surveillance, providing comprehensive air and ground coverage. This technological upgrade will enable more efficient monitoring of mining sites, rapid response to illegal activities, and improved evidence gathering for prosecutions. The Ministry is also strengthening its collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, recognizing the importance of a multi-agency approach to tackling the complex challenges posed by illegal mining.
Paragraph 6: Capacity Building and Future Goals
The success of the Mining Marshals is attributed not only to their enforcement actions but also to the establishment of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that ensures professionalism and accountability. The Ministry is committed to ongoing capacity building for the Marshals, providing regular training and equipping them with the necessary resources to operate effectively. This includes training on new technologies, legal procedures, and best practices in mining security. The government’s long-term goal is to create a secure and well-regulated mining sector that attracts foreign investment, generates revenue for the nation, and contributes to sustainable development. The Mining Marshals play a crucial role in achieving this vision by upholding the law, protecting legitimate operators, and ensuring that Nigeria’s mineral resources benefit the country as a whole.
