Pix: ACC John Onoja Attah

The Mining Marshals have recorded significant breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on illegal mining in Niger State, successfully reclaiming several mining sites in Tafa Local Government Area that had been unlawfully occupied by illegal operators for many years.

During the coordinated operation, more than ten suspected illegal miners were arrested, marking one of the most decisive interventions in the area in recent times. The recovered sites were reportedly under illegal control for years, depriving government of vital revenue, discouraging legitimate investment, and exposing host communities to serious environmental degradation and security risks.

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the sustained war against illegal mining. He commended the resilience, discipline, and professionalism of officers and men of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, noting that the success was driven by credible intelligence, strategic planning, and effective field coordination.

ACC Onoja emphasized that reclaiming mining sites from illegal operators remains central to sanitising the solid minerals sector and restoring investor confidence. He stressed that the activities of illicit miners undermine lawful mining operations, fuel insecurity, and erode trust in regulatory frameworks. He assured that the Mining Marshals would sustain the momentum in Tafa and other identified flashpoints across Niger State, adding that illegal mining would continue to be confronted with firm but lawful action until the sector is fully reclaimed for legitimate economic development.

He further stated that the operation aligns with the vision of the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, whose leadership prioritizes a sanitised mining sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as exemplified by the reform-driven leadership and policy direction of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.

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