Illegal mining threatens Nigeria’s future, says John Attah

John Attah, commander of the mining marshals, has warned that the menace of illegal mining threatens Nigeria’s economy, environment, and national security.

He spoke at a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) federal capital territory (FCT) council in Abuja.

The meeting was attended by Ajao Saka Adewale, FCT commissioner of police, Dele Ayanleke, president of the Miners Association of Nigeria, and senior members of the security and mining community.

Attah also urged journalists to see themselves as partners in the federal government’s effort to curb illegal mining.

He said the mining marshals, an enforcement arm of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was created under the directive of President Bola Tinubu and Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, to restore order in the sector and protect mineral resources.

He said Nigeria has lost billions in revenue to illegal mining, while farmlands have been degraded and communities destabilised.

“The mining marshals are not just another task force. We are an elite unit operating under clear legal frameworks and guided by a strict code of conduct,” he said.

“Illegal mining has cost this country too much in terms of lost revenue and damaged communities.

“Our assignment is clear: to protect Nigeria’s mineral wealth for the benefit of all. But this fight is not for security agencies alone. We need the media to stand with us.”

The commander reported that the marshals have dismantled several illegal mining camps, arrested and prosecuted offenders, and restored peace in areas previously troubled by resource conflicts.

He said dormant provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and the Mining Regulations 2011 have been revived to strengthen enforcement, including laws that impose life imprisonment on those transporting minerals without proper registration.

“Even licence holders who exceed their limits or operate illegally are now being prosecuted. We are enforcing the law to the letter,” he said.

Attah admitted that the marshals face challenges like inadequate logistics, difficult terrains, and violent resistance from entrenched interests who profit from illegal mining.

He also noted that limited awareness in some communities has slowed enforcement.

The commander cautioned against what he described as “rogue journalism”, alleging that vested interests have sponsored false reports to discredit the marshals.

“We respect the media as partners in nation-building. But we must appeal for professionalism. When unverifiable claims are published, it damages public trust and undermines national interest,” he said.

He stated that the marshals would not be deterred by blackmail, but would prefer to work with journalists to expose resource theft and educate communities.

Grace Ike, chairperson of NUJ FCT council, said the union would continue to encourage professionalism among journalists.

“Our duty is to hold institutions accountable, but also to tell the story of progress where it is being made,” she said.

“Illegal mining is an issue that affects all Nigerians, and we will continue to give it the attention it deserves.”

Ayanleke said illegal mining has been a major challenge for licensed operators, but the marshals’ work has given genuine investors renewed confidence.

“Illegal miners create insecurity, deny government revenue, and discourage investors. We are happy that the marshals are addressing these issues head-on,” he said.

“But there is still much to be done to encourage formal miners who pay their dues and follow the law.”