NSCDC’s Crackdown On Illegal Mining Drives Economic Gains In Nigeria.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has hailed its ongoing crackdown on illegal mining as a game-changer for the nation’s economy, with significant boosts to government revenue and local development. Speaking at a national stakeholders’ summit in Abuja on 29 August 2025, NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi, represented by Assistant Commandant Attah John Onoja, highlighted the transformative impact of the agency’s Mining Marshals in curbing illicit activities across mineral-rich states.
The summit, themed “The Role of Community Leaders and Civil Society Organisations in Tackling Illegal Mining in Nigeria,” brought together government officials, security agencies, and civil society leaders to address threats like terrorism, oil theft, and illegal mining. Onoja revealed that the NSCDC’s intelligence-led operations have led to numerous arrests, seizures, and prosecutions, safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral wealth and fostering economic stability. “Our efforts have not only protected critical resources but also enhanced government revenue and spurred local economic growth,” he said.
Since their establishment, the NSCDC’s Mining Marshals have shut down over 170 illegal mining sites nationwide and arrested 387 suspects in the past 14 months, with 99 sites handed back to legitimate operators. These efforts have restored investor confidence and created job opportunities in host communities. A notable operation in Kogi State’s Jagula/Okolom area saw the clearance of illegal miners, securing sites for lawful mining and boosting local employment.
The crackdown aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to diversify Nigeria’s economy away from oil. With the mining sector holding untapped potential—estimated to include 44 commercially viable minerals across 450 locations—the NSCDC’s actions are paving the way for sustainable growth. Collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office have streamlined licensing and enhanced regulatory oversight, further curbing economic sabotage.
Traditional rulers and industry stakeholders have praised the NSCDC’s work, with the Nigerian Geological Society noting a significant increase in compliance with mining guidelines. Community leaders in Kogi described the Marshals’ interventions as “life-changing,” citing restored farmlands and reopened markets. The Corps has also introduced community-driven initiatives like the Civil Defence Community Network to gather grassroots intelligence, ensuring local support in the fight against illegal mining.
As Nigeria emerges as a critical mineral hub, particularly for lithium, the NSCDC’s commitment to enforcing mining laws promises to unlock the sector’s potential, driving prosperity for communities and the nation at large.