The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have intensified enforcement operations across the country as part of efforts to curb illegal mining and strengthen compliance with regulations governing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The specialised enforcement unit said its teams had stepped up operations in different parts of the country, with increased activity particularly in the South-West, targeting mining operations that fail to comply with existing laws and regulatory requirements.

The Mining Marshals were established to support the Federal Government’s reforms in the solid minerals sector, with a mandate that includes combating illegal mining and protecting mineral resources from unauthorised exploitation.

Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, warned mining operators to ensure that their activities complied with the law, stressing that ignorance of regulatory requirements would not exempt offenders from prosecution.

“Ignorance of the law will never be an excuse. Every operator must ensure that mining activities are conducted within the ambit of the law. Those who choose to operate outside the regulatory framework will face the full weight of legal consequences,” Onoja said.

According to him, the enforcement campaign is intended not only to tackle illegal mining but also to protect legitimate operators and improve compliance across the sector.

The Mining Marshals said lawful and safe mining practices would be necessary if Nigeria is to increase investment and government revenue from its mineral resources.

The latest enforcement operations form part of the wider reform programme being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which is seeking to increase the contribution of mining to Nigeria’s economy.

The ministry has identified illegal mining, weak regulatory compliance and unauthorised exploitation of mineral resources among the challenges affecting the development of the sector.

Government efforts have consequently focused on improving enforcement, protecting legitimate investors and reducing revenue losses associated with unregulated mining activities.

The NSCDC has also strengthened its involvement in protecting mining sites and other critical national assets as part of its broader security responsibilities.

Under Commandant General. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Corps has provided operational support to the Mining Marshals as the unit expands enforcement activities across the country.

The Corps said collaboration with regulatory agencies and other stakeholders would remain important to ensuring that mineral resources are exploited in accordance with existing laws.

It reiterated that mining operators must obtain the necessary approvals and comply with applicable regulations, warning that enforcement operations against illegal activities would continue nationwide.