By Miriam Humbe
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have intensified enforcement operations across the country as part of renewed efforts to sanitise Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and strengthen compliance with mining regulations.
The specialised enforcement unit said its operational teams, particularly in the South-West region, are recording significant progress in ensuring that mining activities align with extant laws and regulatory requirements, underscoring the Federal Government’s determination to eliminate illegal mining and protect national mineral assets.
The Mining Marshals were established as a key enforcement mechanism to support ongoing reforms in the solid minerals sector and combat illegal mining activities nationwide.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, warned operators against flouting mining regulations, stressing that ignorance of the law would not shield offenders from prosecution.
“Ignorance of the law will never be an excuse. Every operator must ensure that mining activities are conducted within the ambit of the law. Those who choose to operate outside the regulatory framework will face the full weight of legal consequences,” Onoja said.
He noted that the intensified enforcement drive is designed not only to curb illegal mining but also to safeguard legitimate investors, enhance revenue generation and restore integrity to a sector long plagued by regulatory violations and economic sabotage.
The Mining Marshals have consistently maintained that lawful, safe and sustainable mining practices are central to unlocking the sector’s economic potential.
The latest operation is in line with the broader reform agenda of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which seeks to reposition mining as a major pillar of economic diversification and national prosperity.
The ministry has repeatedly emphasised the importance of regulatory compliance, investor protection and the eradication of illegal mining activities to boost confidence in the sector.
Observers say the renewed enforcement campaign also reflects the strategic vision of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, whose leadership has placed the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure at the centre of the Corps’ mandate.
Under his stewardship, the NSCDC has strengthened institutional support for the Mining Marshals, positioning the unit as a critical instrument in the government’s campaign against illegal resource exploitation and revenue leakages.
The Corps reiterated its commitment to working with relevant regulatory agencies and stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s mineral wealth is harnessed in accordance with the law, for the benefit of the economy and future generations.
As enforcement activities gather momentum nationwide, the message from the Mining Marshals remains unequivocal: compliance is not optional.
