Mining Marshals Commit to Dismantling Illegal Cartels

On Thursday in Abuja, Mr. John Attah Onoja, the Commander of the Mining Marshals at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), reaffirmed the unit's commitment to dismantling illegal mining cartels and disrupting financial networks associated with banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. During a courtesy visit from the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), led by President Mr. Odita Sunday, Onoja emphasized that illegal mining has evolved into a significant security challenge.

He stated that cutting off financial lifelines for criminal groups is crucial for weakening their operations. The Mining Marshals have adopted intelligence-driven operations for identifying, arresting, and prosecuting offenders.

Despite challenges in manpower and logistics, the unit aims to maintain a presence in mining communities. Onoja urged the media to support efforts in sanitizing the mining sector through responsible reporting and acknowledged the role of compromised officials as a major obstacle in combating illegal mining.