The Commander of the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps Onoja John Attah, has disclosed that the Corps has recorded remarkable progress in boosting government revenue from the solid minerals sector. According to him, deliberate enforcement operations, compliance monitoring, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders have significantly reduced illegal mining activities, thereby increasing lawful revenue inflow into the government’s coffers.

ACC Attah explained that the Mining Marshals are not relenting in their commitment to ensuring that every operator within the solid minerals sector plays by the rules. He noted that the Corps has embarked on a massive sensitisation campaign across all host communities, educating them about the benefits of lawful mining and their role in safeguarding national assets. These awareness programs, he said, have led to improved cooperation between local communities and the Mining Marshals.

He added that the synergy between the host communities and the Mining Marshals has been unprecedented. Many communities now serve as reliable informants, volunteering credible intelligence that has led to the arrest of offenders and the protection of mining sites. This partnership, Attah stressed, has made enforcement smoother and more sustainable across different states.

The Commander further revealed that community members are now more enlightened about the health and environmental hazards associated with illegal mining. Through sensitisation drives, town hall meetings, and educational campaigns, residents have become more aware of how to avert pollution, control erosion, and manage environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining activities.

Despite these successes, Attah admitted that security challenges remain a major concern. He stated that operatives of the Mining Marshals still face dangers in the field due to the presence of criminal networks involved in illegal mining. “Yes, we are prone to dangers in spite of our efforts, but we have no choice other than to face our job head-on,” he said, adding that the Corps remains committed to the protection of Nigeria’s mineral resources regardless of the risks.

He revealed that hundreds of criminal suspects involved in illegal mining have been arrested in various operations across the country. Many of them, he said, have already been charged to court for prosecution. These arrests, he noted, reflect the Corps’ zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and the misuse of national resources.

Attah emphasized that one of the most commendable aspects of the Mining Marshals’ operation is their strict adherence to the rule of law. “We do not breach the law, and we do not trample on the rights of suspects,” he said. “Every operation we carry out is guided by the principles of justice and respect for fundamental human rights.”

According to him, the Corps ensures that no suspect is arrested arbitrarily. Investigations are thorough, evidence is properly verified, and all exhibits recovered during enforcement operations are securely preserved. In some cases, special teams are deployed to take charge of mining sites under investigation to prevent tampering with evidence.

ACC Attah also used the opportunity to call on members of the public to always seek verified information directly from the Mining Marshals’ office. He explained that the Corps maintains an open-door policy and welcomes inquiries from individuals, stakeholders, and media organizations to promote transparency and public trust.

In conclusion, the Commander reiterated that the Mining Marshals operate under a clearly defined code of conduct, which all officers are expected to uphold without compromise. “We are most delighted to serve Nigeria,” he affirmed. “Our loyalty to the nation and our duty to protect its mineral wealth remain unshakable. We will continue to act with discipline, professionalism, and patriotism in the discharge of our responsibilities.”

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