Pix: ACC Attah

The Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Special Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Onoja John Attah, has called for stronger collaboration and legislative backing in the ongoing war against illegal mining across the country. ACC Attah made this appeal during the inauguration of the Ad Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives on Illegal Mining, where he represented the Commandant General of the Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

He emphasized that effective coordination among the legislature, security agencies, host communities, and other stakeholders is essential if Nigeria is to successfully tackle the menace of illegal mining and safeguard its vast mineral resources.

Speaking at the event, ACC Attah noted that illegal mining has remained one of the most pressing security and economic challenges confronting Nigeria, with an estimated loss of over $9 billion annually due to unauthorized mining activities and mineral smuggling. He lamented that the activities of illegal miners not only deprive the government of critical revenue but also destroy the environment and fuel insecurity in mining communities.

He further explained that the Special Mining Marshals have been instrumental in identifying and dismantling illegal mining sites, arresting offenders, and securing mineral resources in partnership with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other law enforcement agencies.

ACC Attah therefore appealed to the National Assembly to strengthen the existing legal framework governing the mining sector by enacting more punitive laws against offenders and providing adequate budgetary support for enforcement agencies. He emphasized that without strong legislation and institutional synergy, efforts to regulate mining activities and prevent resource sabotage would yield limited results. “The NSCDC needs the full support of the National Assembly, state governments, and community leaders to make meaningful progress. We must see this fight as a collective responsibility because illegal mining undermines national development,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming the NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria’s solid mineral assets in line with the directive of the Commandant General. ACC Attah urged all stakeholders including traditional rulers, local vigilantes, civil society groups, and mining associations to collaborate actively with the NSCDC in information sharing and joint monitoring. “With inclusive support, adequate legal instruments, and effective inter-agency cooperation, Nigeria can reclaim its mining sector and channel its enormous potential into sustainable economic growth,” he added.