In a significant move to combat illegal mining, the Mining Marshals of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development have successfully dismantled an illegal mining site in the Rafin-Gabas community of Kokona Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The operation, which was described as a major breakthrough by Minister Dele Alake, resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals involved in the illicit activities. The site had long evaded law enforcement and was allegedly protected by compromised security personnel, but the Mining Marshals were able to penetrate the stronghold through a strategic and well-coordinated operation.
Several other suspects managed to escape, reportedly with the assistance of security operatives. The Minister commended the Marshals for their efforts, emphasizing the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining and ensuring accountability in the sector24. Commander John Onoja of the Mining Marshals confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the escaped suspects and that investigations are ongoing to identify any security personnel involved in facilitating the illegal activities.
The company behind the illegal operations, along with some of the fleeing suspects, faces pending criminal charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja56. Since their inception in 2024, the Mining Marshals have arrested 327 suspects and prosecuted 143 for illegal mining, marking a significant step towards sanitizing the mining sector17. The Marshals, drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), are trained in tactical skills to combat illegal miners and other criminal elements.
