At the inauguration of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Illegal Mining, Assistant Commander of the NSCDC Special Mining Corps, ACC Attah John Onoja, delivered a stern warning that illegal mining is a crime that drains Nigeria’s resources, damages the environment, fuels insecurity, and undercuts national development. According to Onoja, the fight against this menace must be tenacious, uncompromising, and backed by effective institutions.

Onoja disclosed that the NSCDC’s Mining Marshals unit, established in March 2024, has already made significant inroads in confronting illicit extraction. To date, more than 500 suspects have been arrested nationwide, and 270 of them are now facing prosecution. He added that the Corps has reclaimed over 200 mining sites from illegal operators, signaling a clear message that sovereignty over mineral resources must be respected.

Despite these gains, ACC Onoja acknowledged that the journey is fraught with obstacles. He cited weak legal frameworks and loopholes in prosecution processes as recurring challenges. Delays in the courts, procedural appeals, and defense strategies by well-resourced operators often frustrate enforcement. He also flagged syndicates and corrupt networks that provide protection and logistical support to illegal miners, sometimes concealing their operations behind political or institutional cover.

Another daunting barrier is geography and remoteness. Many illegal mining operations occur in inaccessible terrains—deep forests, rugged hills, or riverine areas—where surveillance is difficult and enforcement costly. To surmount that, the NSCDC is deploying drones, satellite imagery, GIS mapping, and partnering with technical agencies to pinpoint suspicious sites ahead of raids.

Yet another obstacle is community complicity and economic desperation. In many mining communities, illegal operators are woven into local economies, providing jobs or influencing local leaders. Breaking this interdependence requires sustained public education, community engagement, and incentives for informants. The Corps has stepped up awareness campaigns on the environmental, health, and social dangers of unregulated mining, hoping to turn citizens into allies in enforcement.

To consolidate efforts, ACC Onoja called for stronger legislative backing to tighten laws, close loopholes, and speed up prosecutions. He also stressed the importance of interagency collaboration, particularly with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), to access expertise, geological data, and forensic support. With political will and sustained resolve, Onoja insisted, Nigeria can reclaim control of its mineral wealth, ensure that lawful miners thrive, and deny criminals any safe haven.