NSCDC has deployed Mining Marshals to seven zones to fight illegal mining and protect resources.
The Corps says this move will boost enforcement, secure minerals, and support national economic goals.
In a significant effort to curb illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s solid mineral resources, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has decentralized its mining enforcement operations and deployed specialized Mining Marshals to seven key operational zones across the country.
This strategic move, led by the NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, marks a significant operational shift aimed at enhancing surveillance, enforcement, and rapid response in mining hotspots.
According to a statement by CSC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, the initiative is part of the Corps’ broader commitment to strengthening enforcement capacity within the solid minerals sector and ensuring that Nigeria’s mineral wealth is shielded from illegal exploitation.
“As part of this strategic intervention, the Corps has also commissioned ten operational vehicles to support the Mining Marshals in the field. These vehicles are specially designed for rugged terrain and rapid deployment, facilitating intelligence-led patrols and tactical operations,” the statement noted.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, Professor Audi described the deployment as a bold operational reform that aims to decentralize enforcement and empower regional teams to respond swiftly to threats of illegal mining.
“With the deployment of Mining Marshals to all seven zones, we are scaling up our capacity to confront illegal mining operations head-on,” Audi said. “These officers have been equipped and trained to engage professionally and lawfully in protecting our solid mineral assets from economic saboteurs.”
The zones, though not explicitly named in the statement, are expected to cover key mineral-rich states where illegal mining has become rampant, often resulting in environmental degradation, economic loss, and security challenges.
Professor Audi further stated that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda to diversify the economy through the solid minerals sector. By protecting critical national assets and enforcing compliance, the NSCDC is contributing to the nation’s long-term economic sustainability.
The Mining Marshals will be tasked with conducting intelligence-driven operations, collaborating with other security agencies, and ensuring that only licensed operators engage in mining activities. Their deployment is also expected to enhance coordination with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other regulatory bodies.
