Pix: Commander John Attah Onoja, Head of the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals,

By Dr. Umar Gusau

Nigeria is blessed with a vast array of mineral resources, spread across its 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. From gold in Zamfara and Osun to lithium in Nasarawa, lead and zinc in Ebonyi, to coal in Enugu and iron ore in Kogi, the country’s subsoil is a bedrock of economic potential. With over 44 identified commercially viable minerals and a mining sector estimated to be worth more than $700 billion, this sector holds the key to Nigeria’s future beyond oil. However, this potential is being sabotaged by a well-entrenched system of illegal mining activities perpetrated by cartels, foreign syndicates, armed actors, and opportunistic local players who plunder resources, devastate the environment, and deprive the nation of revenue.

In response to this escalating crisis, the Federal Government, under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), launched the Special Mining Marshals initiative in March 2024. This initiative was a bold and unprecedented step to bring law enforcement into the mining sector and restore regulatory order. The initial deployment of 2,220 specially trained officers was an impressive move, but it has become increasingly clear that the current manpower is grossly insufficient to address the magnitude of the threat.

As of mid-2024, the number of deployed Mining Marshals was increased to about 2,570 through the recruitment of an additional 350 officers. Further expansion brought the figure above 2,670 by March 2025. While this progressive growth is commendable, it still falls short of what is required to cover Nigeria’s vast mining terrain. With over 1,175 illegal mining sites officially identified in early 2024 and hundreds more uncovered in the months that followed, it is evident that each operative is being stretched far beyond optimal operational limits. In some states, entire mineral-rich local government areas have no permanent marshal presence, leaving them exposed to criminal exploitation.

The accomplishments of the Mining Marshals thus far have been nothing short of remarkable. Within the first 14 months of operation, over 460 illegal mining sites were uncovered, 387 suspects were arrested including foreign nationals from China, Burkina Faso, and Niger, 98 illegally occupied sites were reclaimed and returned to rightful license holders, and 146 individuals were charged to court. These achievements were not abstract bureaucratic statistics. They translated into tangible impacts: violent illegal miners were expelled from previously lawless zones, stolen minerals were recovered, and legitimate miners could resume operations under safer conditions. One particularly notable operation in Jagula/Okolom area of Yagba East Local Government, Kogi State, led to the eviction of more than 3,000 illegal miners from a site hijacked since 2016. These results, accomplished in remote terrains often lacking even basic road access, speak to the courage and commitment of the Mining Marshals—often working with minimal equipment and logistical support.

Despite these successes, the operations have been conducted under enormous strain. The geographical scale of Nigeria’s mining landscape, combined with the sophistication of criminal networks involved in illegal mining, makes the task daunting. In some areas, marshals must ride motorcycles for hours to access hidden sites. In others, they face armed resistance from well-funded syndicates. The need for air surveillance using drones, satellite imagery, and intelligent tracking systems has become essential. But more importantly, the need for additional boots on the ground is critical.

The leadership of Commander John Attah Onoja, head of the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals, has been instrumental in the relative success of the initiative to date. Under his stewardship, the marshals have maintained high operational tempo despite lean resources. He has consistently emphasized intelligence-led operations, strategic coordination with federal mines officers, and engagement with host communities. His command philosophy emphasizes discipline, civil cooperation, and a deep understanding of the mineral sector’s sensitivities. Under his leadership, the marshals are not only a security force but also a bridge between regulators, investors, host communities, and state institutions.

What makes Commander Onoja’s leadership particularly exemplary is his unwavering dedication under highly constrained circumstances. While acknowledging the logistical difficulties faced by his operatives, he remains focused on outcomes. He has personally led or overseen operations in hostile environments, demonstrating commitment to his team and the nation. His vision for deploying technology such as surveillance drones, body cams, and remote robotics reveals a forward-thinking approach, one that aligns with modern security best practices globally.

But visionary leadership alone is not enough. The current numerical strength of the Mining Marshals simply cannot match the overwhelming spread of illegal mining activities in Nigeria. A marshal-to-site ratio of nearly 1:4 if not worse is unworkable. Without a robust presence, deterrence is weak, surveillance is thin, and response is delayed. There is an urgent need for the NSCDC leadership, working in tandem with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the presidency, to increase the number of Mining Marshals to at least 4,000 within the next operational cycle. This must be backed by proper training, access to transportation, housing, allowances, safety equipment, and modern surveillance tools. Community engagement structures should be embedded within each state-level unit, enabling more proactive intelligence gathering and smoother operations.

Furthermore, the institutionalization of the Mining Marshals must be accelerated. What began as an inter-ministerial initiative should now evolve into a codified, budgeted, and legally backed federal programme. This would secure funding continuity, establish career progression for marshals, and create clearer lines of accountability and performance tracking. The current momentum should be translated into long-term sectoral reform.

Illegal mining is not just an economic crime; it is a national security issue. It finances violent extremism, undermines rule of law, destroys local livelihoods, pollutes water sources, and robs the country of billions in foreign exchange earnings. It also deters legitimate investors who require a stable and regulated environment to do business. Nigeria cannot afford to treat the fight against illegal mining with a casual, under-resourced approach.

The establishment of the Mining Marshals has been a historic and strategic step in the right direction. But history will not reward half measures. To fully secure the mining sector, we must scale up, invest boldly, and back leaders like Commander John Attah Onoja who have proven their integrity, competence, and patriotism on the frontlines. The time to act is now. There is an urgent and unquestionable need to engage more Mining Marshals because our nation’s future cannot continue to bleed through the cracks of illegal mining.