By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have arrested about 700 suspected illegal miners and recovered more than 100 mining sites nationwide in their ongoing crackdown on illegal mining and unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant Attah John Onoja, disclosed this while delivering a keynote address at the 4th Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference in Abuja. The conference was held under the theme, “Effective Harnessing and Utilisation of Solid Minerals as Panacea for Nation Building in Nigeria.”Onoja said several suspects arrested during the operations had been prosecuted before the Federal High Court, stressing that the achievements reflected the commitment of the Mining Marshals to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and safeguarding legitimate mining investments.

He called on the Federal Government to adopt what he described as “strategic resource nationalism”, urging authorities to prioritise national interests in the exploration, exploitation and utilisation of the country’s solid mineral deposits. According to him, Nigeria’s mineral wealth remains a strategic economic asset capable of promoting industrialisation, generating employment, stimulating technological advancement and reducing the country’s dependence on crude oil.He, however, warned that illegal mining, regulatory violations, revenue losses and inadequate local processing continued to undermine the sector’s potential.

The Mining Marshals Commander described illegal mining as a growing national security threat, noting that criminal exploitation of mineral resources could provide funding for banditry, terrorism and money laundering while depriving the government of substantial revenue. He maintained that securing the mining industry was critical to protecting national assets, strengthening economic sovereignty and creating a conducive environment for legitimate investors and host communities.Onoja explained that the Mining Marshals were established as a specialised security intervention to complement government efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector, protect mining title holders, secure mining communities and discourage criminal activities. He identified the formalisation of artisanal mining, improved transparency in mining data, local processing, value addition and enforceable Community Development Agreements as essential measures for building a sustainable mining industry.

The commander also emphasised the need to ensure that communities hosting mining operations receive tangible economic and social benefits from the exploitation of mineral resources.He said the distribution of mineral deposits across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones presented an opportunity to promote regional economic development, create jobs and reduce dependence on crude oil revenues and federal allocations.“Minerals should not be treated merely as commodities for export but as instruments for industrialisation, technological advancement, job creation and national prosperity,” he said.

Onoja commended the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for strengthening the operational capacity of the Corps and expanding its responsibilities in protecting critical national assets. He said the establishment of specialised units such as the Mining Marshals demonstrated the Corps’ determination to respond effectively to emerging security challenges in the extractive industry.

The conference also featured commendation for the Mining Marshals from Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (rtd.), who represented the Chairman of the occasion, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.Bankole praised Onoja for his courage, professionalism and commitment to national service, while acknowledging the Mining Marshals’ efforts in combating illegal mining, protecting legitimate operators and safeguarding government revenue. He noted that sustained security operations in the mining sector could help restore investor confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s economic foundation.Onoja called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, the legislature, judiciary, traditional rulers, host communities and legitimate investors to ensure effective protection and responsible utilisation of the country’s mineral resources.

He stressed that the true value of Nigeria’s mineral wealth would be measured not merely by the quantity of deposits beneath the ground, but by their contribution to employment, industrial growth, improved livelihoods and sustainable national development.The commander assured that the Mining Marshals would sustain their operations against illegal mining, protect legitimate mining interests and secure the country’s mineral resources in support of Nigeria’s economic and security objectives.