Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced that 327 suspects have been arrested for illegal mining across Nigeria since the launch of the Mining Marshals (MM) in 2024.
At a news conference on Friday, March 21, marking the first anniversary of the MM’s operations, Alake highlighted the significant role the security outfit has played in combating illegal mining in the country’s solid minerals sector.
“The Mining Marshals have arrested 327 individuals for illegal mining,” Alake confirmed, noting that “in partnership with other agencies, the ministry has prosecuted 143 individuals across the country since MM began its operations in 2024.”
The Mining Marshals, established on March 21, 2024, serve as a specialized security force dedicated to curbing illegal mining activities. The unit primarily comprises officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Looking ahead, Alake mentioned that one of MM’s key goals for 2025 is to secure convictions for those already arraigned in court, aiming to set a strong precedent and encourage better adherence to mining regulations.
He also acknowledged the support of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Army, commending their efforts in cleaning up the mining sector.
“This month, the Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, sentenced two foreigners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to prison for illegal mining of solid minerals, following a case prosecuted by the EFCC,” Alake said. “We also commend the EFCC for its diligent prosecution, as they secured the conviction of two other foreigners, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, last May, sentencing them to one year in prison for illegal mining at another Federal High Court in Ilorin.”
Alake stressed the seriousness of illegal mining, revealing that some companies have been found collaborating with individual miners in these unlawful activities.
“Our records show that the MM recovered over 98 sites last year, which allowed many licensed operators to return and resume operations. This will help boost royalties and increase the contribution of solid minerals to the country’s revenue,” he explained. “To date, the MM has identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and enhanced intelligence gathering on these locations.”
The minister noted that the MM’s operations have so far concentrated on ten states: Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory. He assured that the security outfit would expand its coverage to other regions in 2025.
To bolster its operations, Alake confirmed plans to recruit additional personnel and provide more logistics, including vehicles and equipment, to the MM.
John Attah, the Commandant of the Mining Marshals, expressed gratitude for the minister’s support and urged the public to view the MM’s mission as a national initiative.
