In a bold reaffirmation of Nigeria’s fight against illegal mining, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, has declared that the special enforcement unit will not relent in its mission to sanitize the nation’s solid minerals sector.
Speaking during a media interaction in Abuja, ACC Attah hailed the growing successes of the Mining Marshals, noting that their resilience and results-driven operations are a direct reflection of the renewed energy and political will injected into the sector by the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.
“Under Dr. Alake’s dynamic leadership, the war against illegal mining has entered a new era of purpose, precision, and professionalism. His visionary approach has given us the momentum to reclaim our mineral assets and reposition the sector as a key pillar of national prosperity,” ACC Attah stated.
He also commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, mni, for laying a robust operational foundation and strategic direction that have equipped the Marshals to function effectively across Nigeria’s challenging terrains.
“Our operations are yielding tangible results. Illegal syndicates are being dismantled, government control over mining operations is being restored, and licensed miners are operating in safer, more regulated environments,” he said.
Since their deployment, the Mining Marshals — a specialized unit under the NSCDC — have intensified nationwide operations, recording major breakthroughs across multiple states. Their relentless pursuit of illicit actors has led to over 300 arrests, disruption of smuggling rings, confiscation of illegal mining equipment, and increased protection for legitimate operators.
Beyond enforcement, the unit is actively restoring sanity and hope to communities ravaged by illegal mining activities. Attah highlighted that local economies are beginning to recover, artisanal miners are being sensitized and formalized into legal structures, and investor confidence in the sector is on the rise.
“We’re not just making arrests — we’re reviving hope. Communities that once lived in fear of criminal mining syndicates are now enjoying relative peace. This is the ripple effect of leadership and commitment from the top,” Attah said.
He was quick to address recent reports alleging misconduct by marshals during operations in Nasarawa State, dismissing the claims as fabrications by elements desperate to derail the progress being made.
“These are the loud cries of frustrated criminals whose illegal empires are crumbling. Our officers operate within strict legal bounds, and any proven misconduct will be met with swift disciplinary action. But we will not be distracted,” he asserted.
Looking to the future, ACC Attah expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s mining reforms, urging continued support from all quarters — especially the media, traditional institutions, and local communities.
“We are laying down a legacy of responsible resource management. The Mining Marshals are not a temporary fix — we are a permanent force of national renewal. With continued support from patriotic Nigerians, we will make our solid minerals sector a global model of regulation, sustainability, and shared prosperity,” he concluded.
