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Nigeria arrests 327 illegal miners as government intensifies crackdown - BUBUSINESSDAY
The Nigerian government has arrested 327 individuals for illegal mining since 2024, Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Dele Alake announced Friday.
Speaking at a press conference marking the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals (MM), Alake revealed that 143 of the suspects have already been prosecuted in collaboration with security agencies.
Mining Marshals Boost Enforcement Efforts
The MM, inaugurated on March 21, 2024, was established to combat illegal mining and enforce regulatory compliance. The unit consists primarily of personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Alake emphasized that securing convictions for those arrested remains a priority in 2025, stating, “This will enhance deterrence and ensure compliance in the mining sector.”
He credited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Army for their roles in tackling illegal mining operations.
“This month, the Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, sentenced two foreigners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to prison for illegal mining following a case prosecuted by the EFCC,” he said.
The minister highlighted previous convictions, noting that in May 2024, two other foreigners, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, were sentenced to one year in prison for similar offences.
Illegal Mining Crackdown Expands Nationwide
Alake stated that the MM identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and recovered 98 sites in 2024, allowing licensed operators to resume lawful activities.
“These recoveries will ultimately increase government revenue by improving royalties and contributions from the solid minerals sector,” he added.
The MM currently operates in ten states—Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory—with plans to expand coverage nationwide in 2025.
To strengthen operations, the government will increase MM personnel and provide additional logistics, including vehicles and equipment.
A Struggling Sector With Untapped Potential
Despite Nigeria’s vast mineral resources, illegal activities, low investment, and regulatory challenges have stunted sector growth. The country’s mining industry currently contributes less than 1% to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
MM Commandant John Attah urged Nigerians to support the initiative, calling it a national effort to sanitize the mining sector and unlock its full economic potential.
