The Federal Government of Nigeria has arrested 347 individuals for illegal mining, with 143 prosecuted across the country since the establishment of mining marshals in 2024.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this during a press briefing marking the first anniversary of the marshals’ operations. He emphasized that securing convictions for 327 individuals currently facing trial is a key priority for 2025 to enforce compliance and deter illegal activities in the mining sector.
Alake commended the collaboration between the marshals and agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Army in tackling illegal mining.
“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 prosecution by the EFCC,” Alake stated.
He also cited a similar case last year, where the EFCC successfully prosecuted two other foreigners, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, who were sentenced to one year in prison for illegal mining in Kwara State.
The minister revealed that mining marshals had reclaimed 98 mining sites since their deployment, evicting illegal miners who had occupied licensed areas for over a decade. “With 457 illegal mining sites identified, our efforts have enabled license owners to resume operations, boosting revenue generation in the solid minerals sector,” he added.
To enhance enforcement, the marshals have deployed advanced technology, including drones and miniature robots, to monitor activities and distinguish between unarmed civilians and armed illegal miners.
Looking ahead, the government plans to expand the marshals’ operations beyond the 10 states currently covered—Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory. The minister also announced plans to increase personnel and provide more logistics, including vehicles and equipment, to strengthen enforcement.
Alake urged the marshals to brace for tougher challenges as the government intensifies efforts to rid mining sites of illegal operators and ensure full prosecution of offenders.
