The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified its efforts to combat illegal mining activities across the country, with the Mining Marshal unit spearheading a relentless crackdown.

This nationwide operation has been distinguished by the deployment of expert-backed inspections and rigorous evaluations aimed at identifying, dismantling, and reclaiming illegal mining sites.

In the span of just 14 months, over 460 illegal mining sites were uncovered, leading to the arrest of 387 suspects. Among those, 146 individuals have been prosecuted in court, and 99 of the previously illegal sites have been recovered and handed back to legitimate mineral title holders. A significant number of the arrested individuals about 25 percent were identified as foreign nationals, highlighting the cross-border dimension of illegal mining in Nigeria.

In one of the focused state-level operations in Ankpa, Kogi State, 17 suspects were apprehended, and law enforcement agents confiscated 3 trucks and 39 motorcycles that had been used in illegal mining activities. These arrests demonstrate the operational effectiveness of the Mining Marshals in penetrating regions previously considered inaccessible or ungoverned. The larger national operation is backed by over 2,509 specially trained operatives deployed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This force was mobilized as part of the NSCDC’s collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals, which also supports intelligence sharing, legal coordination, and institutional synergy.

The success of these operations hinges heavily on the involvement of experts geologists, mining engineers, and environmental scientists who conduct on-site evaluations and guide enforcement actions. These expert-backed inspections are vital to the legitimacy and accuracy of the crackdown. Their technical expertise ensures that only unauthorized operations are targeted, thus safeguarding legitimate mining businesses from wrongful disruption. Furthermore, expert assessments strengthen the evidentiary foundation for prosecutions, enabling airtight legal cases that lead to successful convictions.

Illegal mining often takes place in remote, dangerous environments. Expert-led assessments guide the planning and execution of raids, reducing risks to personnel and ensuring that safety protocols are observed. These professionals also help identify hazardous practices such as the use of harmful chemicals or unsafe excavation methods, allowing for swift intervention and site remediation.

The environmental impact of illegal mining is another pressing concern. Expert evaluations inform appropriate corrective measures, ensuring that reclamation efforts are environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable. This not only protects local ecosystems but also helps rebuild community trust, as residents see tangible efforts to restore their environment and secure public health.

By embedding experts within enforcement operations, the NSCDC promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance. This professional oversight deters corruption and arbitrary enforcement, thereby bolstering public confidence in the state’s approach to regulating the mining sector. The collaborative framework also strengthens institutional integrity by aligning NSCDC operations with agencies such as the Mining Cadastre Office. This integrated approach reduces bureaucratic duplication and ensures that enforcement actions are consistent with licensing and regulatory standards.

As of the end of 2024, the NSCDC had reclaimed over 200 mining sites from the control of bandits and illegal miners, with at least 300 suspects arrested in various operations.

The strategic inclusion of experts in inspection and enforcement activities ensures that the NSCDC’s crackdown on illegal mining is not only forceful but also justifiable, accurate, and sustainable. It transforms enforcement from a reactive security measure into a proactive regulatory model that safeguards Nigeria’s mineral wealth, protects the environment, and fosters public trust in national institutions.