In the past year, the federal government has made significant strides to secure the country’s mining environment by establishing the Mining Marshals – a specially formed task force designed to tackle illegal mining and its associated security challenges. On March 21, 2025, the country marked the first anniversary of this initiative, a milestone that presents a mixed picture of progress, challenges, and the road ahead.
The Mining Marshals, the product of inter-ministerial collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Police, and the Ministry of Environment, have been at the forefront of the government’s efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s solid mineral resources. These resources are considered the “next oil” and a crucial component in diversifying the economy. While the government has every reason to celebrate its efforts so far, pressing issues still require attention.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Alake, a key driver in forming the Mining Marshals, presented a report highlighting positive developments. Since inception, the Marshals have reportedly arrested 327 individuals, with 143 currently being prosecuted, including several foreign nationals. Their efforts have led to the identification of 457 illegal mining sites, 98 of which have been successfully recovered. The Marshals have also flushed out thousands of illegal miners from regions where mining operations had been disrupted for years.
In addition, the formation of the Mining Marshals has given a much-needed boost to government revenues from the solid minerals sector, which has long been plagued by illegal mining activities that divert vital resources. The Marshals’ actions have begun to restore order and legality, indicating that the initiative has already had a psychological impact on those who have long enjoyed impunity.
Until recently, the Nigerian mining sector has been marred by lawlessness perpetrated by illegal miners who not only pilfer resources but also cause environmental devastation and insecurity. The Mining Marshals have undertaken the task of cleaning up this chaotic environment, and while the work is far from complete, there is clear evidence of progress.
However, several challenges remain. One of the biggest obstacles to their success is the powerful network of illegal operators thriving within the sector. These operators are not merely criminals but include influential figures such as traditional rulers, politicians, military officers, and members of the judiciary. The involvement of such high-profile individuals complicates the Marshals’ efforts, as these figures often use their power to resist regulatory measures or obstruct investigations.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has ambitious plans to expand the scope of the Mining Marshals in the coming year. With a target to extend operations nationwide by the end of 2025, scaling up the force will require substantial investment in personnel, technology, and logistics. Increasing the number of operatives and incorporating additional security agencies like the police, military, and Navy will be crucial to ensuring effective coverage across the country. The minister has also outlined plans to incorporate technological aids, such as drones and robots, to assist in monitoring Nigeria’s vast landscape.
The federal government has pointed out, rightly, in our opinion, that the solid minerals sector is poised to become Nigeria’s next major revenue earner. However, this vision can only materialise if the sector is protected from the scourge of illegal mining and associated violence. To achieve this, the Marshals’ operations must go beyond simply displacing illegal miners; they must foster an environment of legal compliance and sustainable mining practices. This will require not just enforcement but also meaningful engagement with stakeholders, particularly communities and legitimate mineral titleholders who the activities of illegal miners have long sidelined.
While technology has proven an asset to the Marshals’ operations, there remains a need for continuous innovation. As illegal miners adapt to the changing landscape, so must the security measures. Drones and robots are a good start, but further investments in surveillance, data gathering, and intelligence-sharing networks will be necessary to stay one step ahead of those seeking to exploit Nigeria’s mineral resources unlawfully.
One year after their establishment, the Mining Marshals have undeniably made a significant impact on Nigeria’s mining landscape. While their accomplishments should be commended, there is still considerable room for improvement.
As the minister noted in his budget presentation in December 2023, the economic crime of illegally stripping the nation’s solid minerals wealth is perpetrated by powerful figures in the military, political, judicial, legislative, and traditional institutions. While the Marshals have succeeded in arresting and prosecuting several individuals, it remains unclear whether any of those arrested include the high-profile offenders the Minister referred to.
Focusing solely on low-level miners rather than the prominent figures behind illegal operations will result in little progress in stemming mining infractions. The federal government must make an example of some high-profile individuals for the initiative to be taken seriously. The estimated $12 billion annual losses to illegal mining will not be contained by stopping small offenders who are simply trying to eke out a living.
While we commend the Mining Marshals for their modest achievements so far, much must be done to rein in the major criminals robbing Nigeria of its mineral wealth. The government must provide the Marshals with the necessary tools to win the war against illegal operators. Only then can Nigeria’s solid minerals sector begin to realise its full potential as the country’s next major revenue earner after oil.
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