Reps Investigate N2bn Misconduct in Mining Marshals Unit

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives resolved to investigate allegations of financial misconduct and operational irregularities concerning the Mining Marshals, a specialized security unit established to combat illegal mining. The investigation was prompted by a motion from Mr Abdulmaleek Danga, who raised concerns about over N2bn traced to the bank account of a State Commander of the unit.

The Mining Marshals were inaugurated on March 21, 2024, by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Federal Ministry of Interior, comprising over 2,200 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Danga alleged that the unit has deviated from its core mandate, leading to wrongful apprehensions of legitimate mineral title holders.

He also highlighted grave allegations of financial impropriety, noting that instead of facing prosecution, the implicated commander was redeployed, raising suspicions of compromise. Furthermore, Danga criticized the lack of fiscal transparency regarding the procurement of operational vehicles without legislative appropriation.