The Assistant Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), also Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, calls for national backing of the security force tasked with safeguarding mining locations across Nigeria. In an interview with VON in Abuja, Onoja stresses the Marshals’ dedication to upholding existing laws and collaborating with law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to ensure the security of mining sites.

The Mining Marshals, drawn from NSCDC commands across the nation, aim to combat illegal mining activities. Onoja emphasizes its proactive approach to enforcing mining regulations and vows to apprehend violators, regardless of their status.

The initiative, launched in March 2024, under the leadership of NSCDC’s Commandant General, Dr. Abubakar Audi, in partnership with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, aims to address the illegal mining activities hindering Nigeria’s mining sector.

With strategic operations focused on compliance with mining laws and regulations, the Mining Marshals employ intelligence-led strategies to prevent illegal mining and mineral theft. Onoja highlights their collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, mining communities, and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of synergy and intelligence sharing in achieving their mandate.

Observers anticipate that initiatives like the Mining Marshals, coupled with progressive reforms by the Ministry of Solid Minerals, will unlock Nigeria’s vast solid mineral resources, driving economic growth and development.