Illegal mining: NSCDC Mining Marshals begin fresh crackdown in Nasarawa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC Mining Marshals said they have begun a fresh crackdown on illegal miners in Nasarawa State.

The disclosure was made in a statement on Thursday, following a coordinated enforcement and compliance operation led by the Mining Marshals in collaboration with other security institutions across parts of Nasarawa State.

According to the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps, ACC Attah John Onoja, the operation is targeting unlawful mineral exploitation and ensuring compliance with mining regulations.

He said the operation follows the growing recognition that illegal mining is not merely an economic crime but a national security concern, with implications for environmental sustainability, community stability, government revenue and investor confidence.

He noted that the joint operation involving multiple security and regulatory agencies is aimed at intelligence-sharing, enhancing capacity to detect and dismantle illegal mining networks and ensuring the safety of arrested illegal miners. 

He added that the Mining Marshals remain resolute in enforcing mining laws and safeguarding the nation’s mineral resources in line with the policy direction of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

The latest operation in Nasarawa comes amid the controversy surrounding the deaths of 37 miners while in the custody of the NSCDC in Niger State.