Illegal Mining in Nigeria: The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has revealed that 327 individuals have been arrested for illegal mining across Nigeria since the establishment of the Mining Marshals (MM) in 2024.
During a press briefing on Friday, March 21, marking the first anniversary of the MM’s operations, Alake highlighted the significant role the security outfit has played in curbing illegal mining activities in the country’s solid minerals sector.
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“The Marshals have arrested 327 suspects for illegal mining,” he stated. “Additionally, in collaboration with other agencies, the ministry has prosecuted 143 individuals since the MM commenced operations in 2024.”
The Mining Marshals, launched on March 21, 2024, serve as a specialized security force primarily composed of officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Their main mandate is to track and combat illegal mining activities.
Alake outlined the MM’s priority for 2025: securing convictions for those already arraigned, which he believes will serve as a deterrent and reinforce adherence to mining regulations.
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He acknowledged the support of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Army in the fight against illegal mining. Citing a recent case, he mentioned that the Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, sentenced two foreigners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to prison for illegal mining after being prosecuted by the EFCC.
“We commend the EFCC for its diligent efforts,” Alake added. “In May last year, the agency successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of two other foreigners, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, who were sentenced to one year in prison for illegal mining at another Federal High Court in Ilorin.”
Emphasizing the gravity of illegal mining, Alake revealed that some companies have been complicit, collaborating with individual miners to engage in the illicit practice.
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According to ministry records, the MM recovered 98 illegal mining sites in 2024, allowing many licensed operators to return and resume lawful activities. This, he noted, is expected to boost government royalties and increase the solid minerals sector’s contribution to national revenue.
“So far, the MM has identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and has strengthened intelligence gathering in these areas,” Alake disclosed.
The MM’s operations have primarily focused on ten states: Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory. However, Alake assured that its reach would expand to additional regions in 2025.
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To enhance its effectiveness, he confirmed plans to recruit more personnel and provide additional logistics, including vehicles and equipment.
At the event, the Commandant of the Mining Marshals, John Attah, expressed gratitude to the minister for his continued support and urged the public to view the MM’s mission as a national cause.
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