By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice
In a nation richly endowed with natural resources, the irony of poverty amid plenty has become a familiar, if not tragic, narrative. For decades, illegal mining has drained Nigeria of its mineral wealth, degraded the environment, and funded criminal networks. Yet, after years of deploying heavily armed forces and watching the problem mutate rather than disappear, a new, non-kinetic approach has emerged—quietly effective, surprisingly strategic, and worthy of national support. Enter the NSCDC Mining Marshals.
Deployed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Mining Marshals are an elite unit trained not just in enforcement but in intelligence gathering, stakeholder engagement, and community-based monitoring. Their task is to plug the leak of Nigeria’s solid minerals by addressing the root causes of illegal mining—ignorance, desperation, and a lack of state presence.
This is a marked departure from the traditional kinetic (military-style) operations that have defined Nigeria’s anti-illegal mining response for years. Whereas armed confrontations often trigger clashes and human rights abuses, the Mining Marshals operate with a more civil, nuanced touch—working in collaboration with communities, sensitizing artisanal miners, and partnering with regulatory agencies to restore order and legality to the mining sector.
The results, though not yet perfect, are already speaking. In Zamfara, Niger, and Plateau States—regions previously overrun by illegal mining operations—the Mining Marshals have helped dismantle syndicates, intercepted smuggled minerals, and uncovered hidden tunnels used for illicit extraction. But beyond seizures and arrests, the Marshals have begun reclaiming the trust of communities long neglected or harassed by security forces.
Some of the areas where diplomacy yielded results in Mining Marshals operations include, but are not limited to, Isanlu in Yagba East LGA of Kogi State, Kure community of Kokona LGA in Nasarawa State, and more recently, Damau community in Kubau LGA of Kaduna State. In each of these locations, duly verified licensed miners recovered their sites and commenced lawful mining activities accordingly. These successes underscore the power of non-kinetic engagement in achieving sustainable solutions to complex security and economic problems.
In recent months, the NSCDC has reported a significant drop in illegal mining activity in selected hotspots. Moreover, dozens of informal miners have begun registering with the Ministry of Solid Minerals, a move that increases government revenue and enhances transparency in the sector. This shift is possible because the Marshals, unlike soldiers, do not simply raid and retreat—they stay, engage, and help formalize mining operations.
The brilliance of the Mining Marshals model lies in its sustainability. It reduces reliance on expensive, high-risk military operations and instead builds local partnerships for long-term surveillance and compliance. In a country where state capacity is stretched thin, this cost-effective model can be replicated in other extractive industries facing similar challenges.
Additionally, the non-kinetic strategy aligns with Nigeria’s larger goals of job creation, community development, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on education, regulation, and dialogue, the NSCDC is not just fighting illegal mining—it is reforming the entire mining culture.
Special commendation must go to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, whose forward-thinking leadership has reinvigorated the mining sector with policy clarity and strategic vision. His collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and other enforcement agencies has laid the groundwork for meaningful reform.
Equally deserving of recognition is the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for championing institutional synergy and backing the operational empowerment of the NSCDC. His support has ensured that the Mining Marshals are not just well-equipped, but also professionally grounded in modern civil enforcement ethics.
Above all, profound appreciation is due to the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, mni. Under his watch, the Corps has transformed from a peripheral security agency into a proactive force for national economic security. His insistence on discipline, intelligence-led operations, and community integration is at the heart of the Mining Marshals’ success story.
Equally praiseworthy is the gallant dexterity of the Special Mining Marshals team, led by the selfless and patriotic Commander John Onoja Attah. His leadership has brought renewed energy, tactical precision, and an unwavering commitment to national interest. Under his command, the Marshals have become a symbol of hope and resilience in the fight against economic sabotage.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals represent a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s internal security strategy: a move from guns to governance, from raids to reform. It is a reminder that not all wars are won with bullets. Some are won with strategy, sincerity, and the courage to try something different.
If Nigeria is serious about ending illegal mining and harnessing its mineral wealth for national development, then this innovative, non-kinetic model deserves not just applause—but full institutionalization.
Non-kinetically musing