Mining Marshals Target Illegal Operations in Nasarawa State

The Mining Marshals launched a joint enforcement and compliance operation in Nasarawa State, targeting illegal mining activities and verifying that licensed mineral title holders operate within their approved boundaries. This operation was initiated in response to complaints regarding unlawful mineral exploitation.

The enforcement team included officials from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, operatives from the Department of State Services, personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, and local community security stakeholders. Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja stated that the operation aligns with established Standard Operating Procedures and is backed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Act 2007, as amended.

The initiative reflects a shift in government policy, treating illegal mining as a national security issue with implications for environmental sustainability and economic stability. The operation aims to strengthen intelligence-sharing among agencies and enhance the detection of illegal mining networks, contributing to the formalization of the mining sector and the protection of licensed operators.