The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has uncovered 460 illegal mining sites and arrested 387 suspects in the past 14 months, in a move aimed at curbing illegal mining and boosting national revenue.
Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
Out of the 460 illegal sites identified, Onoja said that 99 have been recovered and handed back to legally licensed operators, allowing lawful mining activities to resume. This, he noted, has helped increase revenue for the federal government.
About 25 percent of those arrested are foreign nationals, Onoja said, adding that 146 suspects have already been charged to court. He emphasized that all suspects, regardless of nationality, are treated under Nigerian law.
To tackle the illegal operations, Onoja explained that the Mining Marshals carried out 28 clearance operations, especially in areas known for armed banditry or resistance, based on intelligence and past security incidents.
In carrying out these operations, we prioritize safety. Our goal is always to achieve results without casualties on either side, he stated.
He also highlighted that their success has largely come from strategic intelligence gathering and surveillance, supported by reports from affected communities and legal license holders.
There are some remote terrains where you wouldn’t even know you’re still in Nigeria — these are places where illegal miners hide. Some of these areas can only be accessed by motorcycles after several hours, Onoja noted, adding that such operations require both skill and diplomacy.
Onoja praised the role of the federal government in supporting the unit, noting that the inauguration of the Mining Marshals by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has brought renewed energy to the fight against illegal mining.
He also credited the leadership of NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi for the gains recorded, especially in securing mining communities and reducing environmental damage caused by unregulated activities.
Illegal mining has been a major challenge in Nigeria, affecting both revenue generation and the environment. The efforts of the NSCDC are seen as part of the wider reforms in the solid minerals sector under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
