Keji Mustapha
Pix: ACC John Attah Onoja, Commander, NSCDC Special Mining Marshals
Dr Gusau Abdullahi, writes in from Minna, Niger State
The establishment of the Special Mining Marshals by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has marked a turning point in the country’s drive to secure its mineral resources. For decades, Nigeria has suffered from the twin challenges of illegal mining and the underutilization of raw materials. Billions of naira have been lost annually to criminal networks, while legitimate investors often face insecurity and vandalism. In response, the NSCDC created the Special Mining Marshals to safeguard critical mineral assets. To maximize their effectiveness, the Marshals have developed synergy with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), an institution that provides scientific knowledge and guidance on the nation’s raw material base. This collaboration is yielding benefits that extend across Nigeria’s mining sector.
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council plays a critical role in mapping, classifying, and analyzing Nigeria’s mineral resources. It provides data on mineral-rich locations, industrial applications, and sustainable methods of extraction. When this expertise is paired with the enforcement power of the Mining Marshals, Nigeria gains a strong combination of research and security. The RMRDC provides the knowledge, while the Marshals ensure that such knowledge is put to use in a safe and protected environment. This synergy ensures that mineral resources are not only discovered but also shielded from illegal exploitation.
One of the most direct benefits of this partnership is improved intelligence. Through its fieldwork and laboratory studies, the RMRDC generates detailed reports on mineral deposits, including their value and industrial uses. This information guides the Mining Marshals in distinguishing between legitimate operators and illegal miners. In effect, it prevents clashes with genuine investors while making enforcement operations more precise. With accurate intelligence, the Marshals can dismantle illegal mining camps faster and with less resistance, thereby protecting the nation’s economic interests.
The collaboration also enhances investor confidence in Nigeria’s mining sector. Investors are more likely to commit resources when they see both scientific backing and robust security for their ventures. The RMRDC provides the scientific assurances of viability, while the NSCDC Mining Marshals ensure physical protection of mining sites and installations. This dual support reduces the risks associated with mining, encourages foreign direct investment, and strengthens Nigeria’s reputation as a secure mining destination.
Another significant benefit lies in the professional development of the Mining Marshals themselves. By engaging with RMRDC experts, the Marshals gain exposure to modern mining practices, technical terms, and environmental considerations. This knowledge upgrades their capacity beyond traditional security functions, turning them into informed partners in national development. Their roles expand from simply guarding mines to understanding the broader implications of resource management, community relations, and sustainability.
The synergy also fosters stronger community engagement in mining areas. Often, host communities are the first to feel the effects of illegal mining—whether through environmental degradation, loss of livelihood, or insecurity. With RMRDC providing scientific explanations and the Marshals ensuring law and order, both institutions can jointly address community concerns. For instance, youth groups can be engaged in legal mining ventures or allied industries once security and technical guidance are in place. This reduces hostility and transforms communities into allies rather than adversaries.
On a national scale, the partnership helps Nigeria to curb revenue leakages. Illegal mining is estimated to cost the country billions annually in lost taxes, royalties, and fees. By combining RMRDC’s mapping data with the Marshals’ enforcement, government can track resources more effectively, block illegal channels, and boost official revenue collection. This directly supports economic diversification by making mining a more reliable source of income alongside oil and gas.
Environmental sustainability is another area of benefit. Illegal miners often abandon sites without remediation, leaving behind degraded lands and polluted water bodies. With the guidance of the RMRDC, the Mining Marshals can monitor compliance with environmental standards, ensuring that operators follow best practices. This protects ecosystems, preserves farmland, and promotes responsible mining practices. In the long term, it ensures that future generations can still benefit from Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth.
Furthermore, the synergy creates opportunities for interagency collaboration. The Mining Marshals and the RMRDC often work with other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, and even community-based organizations. Such multi-sectoral collaboration strengthens governance in the mining sector, making it harder for illegal operators to exploit loopholes. It also improves Nigeria’s chances of meeting global standards in transparency and accountability, such as those required under the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
In conclusion, the partnership between the NSCDC’s Special Mining Marshals and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council is a model of how security and research can work hand in hand for national benefit. The Marshals bring the power of enforcement, while the RMRDC provides the depth of scientific knowledge. Together, they enhance security, build investor confidence, support communities, protect the environment, and boost national revenue. For Nigeria, this synergy is not just a tactical alliance—it is a strategic pathway toward unlocking the full potential of the mining sector as a driver of sustainable development.
