The Nigerian government has arrested 327 individuals for illegal mining since the beginning of 2024, as announced by Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr. Dele Alake. At a press conference marking the first anniversary of the Mining Marshals (MM), he noted that 143 of those arrested have been prosecuted with assistance from security agencies.

The MM, established on March 21, 2024, focuses on combating illegal mining and ensuring regulatory compliance. This unit, mainly composed of personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aims to secure more convictions in 2025 to enhance deterrence within the sector. Alake praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Army for their collaboration.

In a recent case, the Federal High Court in Ilorin sentenced two foreigners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, for illegal mining, a prosecution led by the EFCC. Alake also mentioned previous convictions of two other foreigners in May 2024, highlighting ongoing legal actions against such activities.

In 2024, the MM identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and successfully recovered 98, thereby allowing licensed operators to continue lawful mining activities. This effort is expected to boost government revenue through increased royalties from the solid minerals sector.

Currently active in ten states—including Niger, Kogi, and Akwa Ibom—the MM plans to expand its operations nationwide in 2025, increasing personnel and logistics support for more efficient enforcement.

Despite Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources, the sector struggles due to illegal activities and regulatory challenges, contributing less than 1% to the nation’s GDP. MM Commandant John Attah urged national support for these initiatives to unearth the true economic potential of the mining sector.

The Nigerian government’s crackdown on illegal mining has led to the arrest of 327 individuals and significant prosecutions within the year. The Mining Marshals are enhancing enforcement efforts nationwide to recover illegal sites and increase lawful mining operations. With ongoing challenges in the sector, the government aims to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources through stricter regulations and community support.

Original Source: businessday.ng

The post Nigeria Arrests 327 Illegal Miners Amid Intensified Crackdown Efforts first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Nigerian government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal mining in northern states, with notable results from the Mining Marshals. Since March 2024, they have apprehended 327 illegal miners and successfully recovered 98 sites, reinstating them for legitimate use.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has highlighted the effectiveness of this special enforcement unit, announcing that 147 individuals are facing prosecution. A key operation in Kogi State saw over 3,000 illegal miners expelled from North-South Extractive Industries Limited’s site, which had been unlawfully mined since 2016.

In Kwara State, foreign illegal miners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, received convictions, showcasing the government’s efforts against non-Nigerian miners. Abuja has also witnessed the reclamation of mining locations, including those managed by Ganan Mining Limited in Kuje.

Additional illegal sites in Niger, Zamfara, and Kaduna states have been targeted, combating the link between illegal mining and security issues such as banditry. Minister Alake underscored that the actions of the Mining Marshals have reduced illegal operations that harmed legitimate businesses.

The Marshals’ force has expanded from 2,200 to 2,679, with plans to incorporate advanced technologies like drones and robots for monitoring. Moreover, military support from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force has been critical in these enforcement initiatives.

The Nigerian government’s enhanced measures against illegal mining are yielding positive outcomes, with significant arrests and recovery of mining sites. The commitment to prosecuting offenders and employing advanced technologies indicates a robust approach to restoring order in the mining sector. Continuous support from security agencies reinforces the effort to safeguard legitimate operations and enhance the country’s mineral revenue.

Original Source: dailypost.ng

The post Nigerian Government Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Mining in the North first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.