NSCDC Mining Marshals Vow to Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Mining in 2025
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have reaffirmed their commitment to combating illegal mining activities across the country, emphasizing that there will be no room for compromise in enforcing regulations.
Speaking at the National Headquarters of the NSCDC, the Mining Marshals Commander, Assistant Commandant John Attah, highlighted the squad’s achievements in 2024, including dismantling criminal cartels and overcoming various challenges to protect the nation’s mineral resources.
Attah noted that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the protection of Nigeria’s natural resources—covering mines, forestry, and coastal areas—has strengthened efforts to curb illegal activities in the sector.
He credited the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the NSCDC for their strong collaboration, which led to the establishment of the Specialized Mining Marshals, launched by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, on March 21, 2024.
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According to Attah, over 2,509 special forces have been trained and deployed to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to enforce compliance with mining laws. He praised NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for creating a conducive environment for officers to undergo professional training and effectively discharge their duties.
The Mining Marshals have carried out multiple successful operations, including dismantling illegal mining sites, arresting offenders, and conducting covert and overt clearance operations. These efforts, Attah said, have enhanced security in mining areas, ensured adherence to legal frameworks, and safeguarded legitimate mining sites and title holders.
“We are very optimistic that with the encouragement and strategies put in place by the Commandant General, our vigor is further renewed. The Squad is poised to smoke out illegal miners and their cartels without compromise,” Attah stated.
The NSCDC has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and pledged to intensify efforts in 2025 to protect the country’s mineral wealth from economic saboteurs.
