This move by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s attempt to reclaim the mining sector from “economic saboteurs.”
The deployment of over 2,000 Mining Marshals represents the frontline of Nigeria’s “Seven-Point Agenda” for the solid minerals sector.
​While the primary goal is to arrest illegal miners, the mandate for the marshals has evolved. They are no longer just an enforcement unit but are now integrated into Intelligence Gathering.
Working with local communities to identify foreign nationals and local collaborators funding illegal operations and ensuring that licensed miners stick to their approved sites and follow environmental guidelines.
Conducting joint raids with the Nigerian Army and the NSCDC, such as the recent crackdown in Kuje, Abuja, and across Nasarawa and Plateau States.
​The government’s “diversification” talk is finally being backed by some impressive numbers as the sector moves toward its goal of contributing significantly to the GDP.
The urgency stems from the global surge in demand for “green minerals.” With the $600 million lithium refinery in Nasarawa now operational (as of 2025), Nigeria is trying to pivot from being an ore exporter to a processing hub.
Dr. Alake has been blunt: “Nigeria is no longer a dumping ground for illegal mining.” By reclaiming over 90 sites previously held by bandits and illegal syndicates, the government aims to assure international investors that their assets will be protected.
However, the challenge remains the “whack-a-mole” nature of illegal mining. As soon as one site is cleared, another often pops up in remote areas. The success of these 2,000 marshals will depend heavily on whether they can sustain a presence in all 774 Local Government Areas as planned.
