The Federal Government has announced the arrest of 327 individuals involved in illegal mining across the country, with 143 already prosecuted, as part of intensified efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, disclosed this on Friday at a news conference marking the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals (MM), a security outfit established to combat illegal mining activities.
According to Alake, over 3,000 illegal gold miners have been flushed out since the marshals began operations in March 2024. The initiative, he noted, has significantly disrupted illegal mining networks that have long operated with impunity.
“The Mining Marshals have proven to be a game-changer in the fight against illegal mining. Since their inauguration, we have arrested 327 suspects, prosecuted 143, and recovered 98 mining sites illegally occupied for over a decade,” Alake stated.
The Mining Marshals, drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were initially deployed with 2,220 personnel, but their numbers have since increased to 2,670 following new recruitments.
Alake emphasized that one of the major goals for 2025 is to secure the conviction of all 327 arrested suspects, sending a strong signal to illegal miners that it is no longer business as usual.
He commended agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the military for their collaboration, citing the recent conviction of two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, for illegal mining in Ilorin, Kwara State.
“In May last year, the EFCC also secured the conviction of two other foreign nationals, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, for similar offenses. This underscores our commitment to enforcing the law, regardless of nationality,” Alake added.
The minister highlighted the use of advanced technology, including drones and miniature robots, to monitor illegal mining sites and improve intelligence gathering.
“So far, the MM has identified 457 illegal mining sites, and their surveillance capabilities allow them to distinguish between unarmed civilians and heavily armed criminal elements,” he noted.
Alake disclosed that MM operations have been active in 10 states, including Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory.H
e stated that beyond enforcement, non-kinetic measures such as engaging with artisanal miners and expanding cooperative registrations are also being implemented to ensure compliance with regulations.
In strengthening the capacity of the MM, the government plans to increase personnel, provide more logistics, and deploy additional equipment to enhance operational effectiveness.
Alake warned illegal miners to vacate mining sites voluntarily or face legal consequences, reaffirming the government’s resolve to prosecute offenders.
“We have sent a clear message: illegal mining will no longer be tolerated. The MM will continue to enforce the law, and those caught violating it will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Commandant of the Mining Marshals, John Attah, assured that their operations would remain within legal frameworks while ensuring maximum effectiveness in tackling illegal mining.
He urged Nigerians to support the initiative, describing it as a national effort to protect the country’s mineral resources and boost government revenue.
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