Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah

Amidst recent allegations of misconduct, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have restated their commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the national drive to eliminate illegal mining. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Commander of the unit, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, dismissed the claims as unfounded and orchestrated by criminal elements feeling the pressure of the unit’s sweeping operations.

ACC Attah underscored the unwavering determination of the Mining Marshals to enforce mining regulations, dismantle illegal operations, and restore order within the solid minerals sector. According to him, the unit’s achievements are a direct result of strategic leadership and high-level support from both the Federal Government and key stakeholders in the sector.

He lauded the visionary leadership of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, whose policy reforms have injected new energy into the fight against illegal mining. ACC Attah also credited the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for laying the institutional groundwork that has enabled the Mining Marshals to function with precision and impact.

Operationally, the unit has recorded significant milestones. Over 300 arrests have been made nationwide, targeting illegal miners and their sponsors. The marshals have also confiscated mining equipment, disrupted smuggling routes for gold and other precious minerals, and provided a protective framework for licensed operators and host communities. These achievements, Attah noted, are bolstered by increased collaboration with state governments, which has improved intelligence sharing, monitoring, and license verification—factors that have strengthened investor confidence in the mining industry.

Beyond enforcement, the impact of the Marshals’ work is being felt across mining communities. Areas once plagued by insecurity and environmental degradation due to illegal mining activities are now experiencing renewed stability and ecological recovery. Artisanal miners are being integrated into legal mining systems, while government revenue from the solid minerals sector continues to grow steadily.

Addressing the allegations from Nasarawa State, Attah dismissed the reports as “fabricated tales” aimed at distracting the unit from its mission. He reiterated that the Mining Marshals operate under strict ethical and legal codes, and that any officer found to have violated these standards would face immediate disciplinary measures.

Looking to the future, ACC Attah expressed optimism about the trajectory of Nigeria’s mining sector under the ongoing reforms. He called on citizens, traditional rulers, and the media to lend their support to the shared goal of transforming mining into a key pillar of Nigeria’s economic diversification.

“We are not just enforcing laws—we are building a legacy,” he affirmed. “With continued support from government and stakeholders, Nigeria is on course to become a global model for sustainable mineral resource development.”

The NSCDC Mining Marshals, through their intensified operations and policy alignment, represent the Federal Government’s strong resolve to sanitize the mining sector, plug revenue leakages, and unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s mineral wealth for national development.