Nigeria Cracks Down on Illegal Mining: 327 Arrested, Says Minister of Solid Minerals

 

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has revealed that 327 suspects have been arrested for illegal mining across Nigeria since the establishment of the Mining Marshals (MM) in 2024.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, March 21, to mark the first anniversary of the security outfit, Alake highlighted its significant impact in combating illegal mining and restoring order in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

“The Marshals have arrested 327 suspects for illegal mining,” Alake stated. “The ministry, in partnership with other agencies, has prosecuted 143 individuals across the country since the MM began operations in 2024.”

Launched on March 21, 2024, the Mining Marshals is a specialized security force tasked with tracking and eradicating illegal mining activities. The unit, made up primarily of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officials, has made significant strides in securing mining sites.

Alake emphasized that a top priority for 2025 is to secure convictions for those already arraigned, reinforcing compliance with mining regulations and deterring future offenders.

The minister acknowledged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Army for their support in sanitizing the 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, following a case prosecuted by the EFCC,” Alake noted.

He also commended the EFCC’s role in past convictions, citing the May 2023 prosecution of two foreigners, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, who were sentenced to one year in prison for illegal mining.

Alake disclosed that some registered companies have been found colluding with individual miners to engage in illegal activities.

“According to our records, the MM recovered over 98 sites last year. This has enabled many license owners to return to sites and resume operations, ultimately increasing royalties and boosting the solid minerals sector’s contribution to national revenue.”

So far, the MM has identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and has intensified intelligence gathering to curb illicit operations.

Currently, the MM operates in ten states: Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, Alake assured that the security unit would expand to more states in 2025.

To further strengthen its operations, the government plans to recruit additional personnel and provide more logistics support, including vehicles and surveillance equipment.

At the event, John Attah, Commandant of the Mining Marshals, thanked the minister for his support and urged Nigerians to see the fight against illegal mining as a collective national effort.