Ilorin, Nigeria – The Nigerian government has arrested 327 individuals for illegal mining since the start of 2024. Authorities have already prosecuted 143 of those arrested, said Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.
Enforcement and Recoveries
Alake, speaking at a press conference, stressed that securing convictions is a top priority for 2025. He credited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Army for helping fight illegal mining.
The Mining Marshals (MM), formed in March 2024, found 457 illegal mining sites. They recovered 98 sites, letting licensed operators restart work. The MM currently operates in ten states, with plans to expand nationwide in 2025. The government will also increase MM staff and give them more equipment.
MM Commandant John Attah asked Nigerians to support the initiative. The government plans to enforce rules and promote lawful mining for economic growth. The soild minerals sector conrtibutes less that 1% to the country’s GDP because of illegal activies.
