The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has raised alarm over the escalating issue of unauthorized mining activities nationwide. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant-General, issued a stern warning to those involved, urging them to cease operations that could lead to severe consequences.
During a meeting with delegates from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Canadian donor partners at the NSCDC head office on Friday, Attah Onoja, commander of the Mining Marshals Corps, spoke on behalf of the Commandant-General. He emphasized that illegal mining has evolved beyond a mere economic violation, now representing a significant national security menace that demands intelligence-led and coordinated enforcement strategies.
Onoja stated, “Illegal mining has transformed from a simple economic crime into a major threat to national security. It requires a coordinated, intelligence-driven approach to enforcement.”
He praised the UNODC and the Canadian government for their backing of the initiative titled “Strengthening Nigeria’s Response to Criminal and Terrorist Finance related to Minerals.” This collaboration, he noted, has boosted the operational and investigative capabilities of officers tasked with tackling mineral-related crimes throughout the country.
The Mining Marshals Corps was established, according to Onoja, to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral wealth and enforce mining regulations through dedicated teams focused on intelligence, field operations, legal proceedings, enforcement, and community outreach. “Our mission is to protect the nation’s mineral resources, curb illegal mining, and prosecute those involved in unlawful mineral extraction,” he explained.
He revealed that the partnership between NSCDC and UNODC began in 2025, supported by Global Affairs Canada, through training sessions and consultative meetings. In November 2025, 21 officers underwent training on investigating terrorism financing, which he described as vital for improving probes into organized crime, terrorism funding, and illegal mining activities.
Specialized units have since been deployed to illegal mining hotspots in the North-West and North-Central regions. Joint operations with other agencies have resulted in the dismantling of multiple illegal mining sites and the arrest of suspects.