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The Federal Government has announced the arrest of 347 suspects for illegal mining, with 143 prosecuted across the country since mining marshals began operations in 2024.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made this disclosure at a press conference marking the one-year anniversary of the marshals’ operations.
Alake stated that a key target for the marshals in 2025 was to secure the conviction of the 327 individuals arraigned in court, to enhance deterrence and enforce compliance with the law.
He also acknowledged the contributions of government agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the army in efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector.
“This month, the Federal High Court, Ilorin, Kwara State, sentenced two foreigners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to prison for illegal mining of solid minerals, following a case prosecuted by the EFCC.
“We also commend the EFCC for its diligent prosecution of illegal miners.
“In May last year, the EFCC successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of two other foreigners, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, who were sentenced to one year of imprisonment for illegal mining at another Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State,” he said.
According to him, mining marshals have played a crucial role in tackling illegal mining, which has been worsened by companies collaborating with individual miners to carry out the act.
He added that the marshals had reclaimed 98 mining sites since operations began, clearing illegal miners who had occupied licensed areas for over a decade, thereby preventing the rightful owners from operating.
“According to our records, the mining marshals recovered over 98 sites last year. This has enabled many licence owners to return to site and resume operations.
“This will ultimately increase royalties and boost the contribution of the solid minerals sector to the country’s revenue.
“So far, the mining marshals have identified 457 suspected illegal mining sites and has enhanced intelligence gathering on these sites,” he said.
The minister revealed that the marshals employ advanced technology, including miniature robots and drones for surveillance.
He further explained that they use communication tools to deliver early warnings, effectively distinguishing unarmed civilians from armed bandits, who are the main targets of their operations.
The mining marshals enter their second year of operations with plan to increase their presence in other states.
Alake highlighted that the marshals had previously engaged directly in 10 states namely Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister stated that in addition to kinetic measures used to combat illegal mining, non-kinetic strategies would be intensified to strengthen relations between the government and artisanal miners and to expand the registration of cooperatives.
He disclosed that the number of personnel would be increased, while more logistics, including vehicles and equipment, would be provided to the marshals to enhance their operational capacity.
He urged the marshals to prepare for tougher challenges, as the government moves to remove more illegal miners from sites and ensure their prosecution.
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