The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have petitioned the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, asking the National Assembly to disregard allegations made against the unit by the member representing Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency of Kogi State, Hon. Abdullahi Danga.

In an eight-page petition dated July 24, 2026, and signed by the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, the unit described the allegations as false, disparaging and politically motivated, arguing that they were intended to undermine the Federal Government’s reforms in the solid minerals sector.

The petition followed the House of Representatives’ decision to mandate its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to investigate allegations of financial misconduct, operational abuses, funding irregularities and the legal framework of the Mining Marshals after adopting a motion sponsored by Danga.

In the petition, the Mining Marshals said they recognised the constitutional oversight responsibilities of the National Assembly but maintained that the allegations could demoralise officers engaged in the fight against illegal mining across the country.

The unit argued that many of the claims raised by the lawmaker were based on earlier allegations made by a police officer, CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi, which it said had already been publicly refuted with documentary evidence, including bank records and published rejoinders.

It further alleged that the police officer had himself been accused of facilitating the escape of foreign nationals standing trial for alleged illegal mining offences, an issue the Marshals said cast doubt on the credibility of the allegations against the unit. The Guardian has not independently verified that claim.

Responding to allegations of financial misconduct, the Mining Marshals denied receiving or diverting public funds, insisting that the unit operates with limited logistical support provided by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC.

The petition also rejected claims that operational vehicles were procured outside the budgetary process, maintaining that the allegations presented to the House were inaccurate.

Highlighting its activities since inception, the unit said its operations had resulted in the disruption of illegal mining sites, the seizure of mining equipment, the arrest of suspects and the prosecution of several individuals before the Federal High Court.

The Mining Marshals further stated that enforcement activities carried out in collaboration with the military and other security agencies had improved compliance within the mining sector.

The petition also cited official government figures indicating that revenue generated from the solid minerals sector increased from about ₦6 billion in 2023 to more than ₦70 billion by June 2026, attributing the growth to ongoing reforms led by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, including intensified enforcement against illegal mining.

Commander Onoja appealed to lawmakers, industry stakeholders and members of the public to disregard what he described as attempts to discredit the Mining Marshals and the reforms being implemented in the sector.

He reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to enforcing the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, the Mining Regulations 2011 and other government policies aimed at curbing illegal mining and improving safety in the industry.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, the Commandant General of the NSCDC and the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development.

During plenary, Danga had alleged that the Mining Marshals had exceeded their statutory mandate by harassing legitimate mineral title holders, questioned the source of funding for the unit’s operational vehicles and called for an investigation into reports that more than ₦2 billion was discovered in the bank account of a former state commander. He also raised concerns about the unit’s legal framework and budgetary transparency.

The House Committee on Solid Minerals Development has been given four weeks to investigate the allegations and report its findings to the House.