The Nigerian government has arrested nearly 300 illegal miners in the past eight months since the establishment of the Mining Marshals, according to Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
Alake, speaking during a briefing with the House Committee on Solid Minerals on Thursday, highlighted the progress made in curbing unauthorized mining activities across the country.
In March 2024, Alake inaugurated the mining marshals, a specialized security force formed to secure Nigeria’s mining sites and address the widespread illegal mining that has plagued the industry.
The marshals, led by Abubakar Audi, Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been tasked with tackling theft and other illegal activities surrounding Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.
Alake stated that since their deployment, which saw over 2,000 trained marshals dispatched to various mining sites, nearly 300 illegal miners, including foreign nationals, have been apprehended.
The minister stated that the increased security presence has led to a significant reduction in unauthorized mining across the nation, bringing a much-needed sense of order to a previously chaotic sector.
“At the forefront of this transformation is a strengthened security framework designed to combat illegal mining — a longstanding challenge that has threatened both local communities and Nigeria’s global standing.
“Since deploying over 2,000 trained mine marshals, nearly 300 illegal operators, including foreign nationals, have been apprehended, significantly reducing unauthorized mining activity across the nation.
“This renewed security architecture is already having a profound impact. Our commitment to safeguarding our mining sites is also a commitment to Nigeria’s stability and an invitation to investors who seek reliable partnerships,” he stated.
Alake further noted that the focus on in-country mineral processing and value addition would help Nigeria retain more wealth from its mineral resources, instead of relying heavily on raw exports.
This policy, he said, is also setting a precedent across Africa, culminating in the creation of the African Mineral Strategy Group, a collaborative effort aimed at boosting the continent’s mining sector.
Mining Marshals arrested 300 illegal miners in 8 months – Alake
