…as NSCDC confirms 500 arrests, 270 prosecutions underway nationwide
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has launched a major offensive against illegal mining across the country, pledging to recover an estimated $9 billion in revenue lost to the illicit activity over the past two and a half months and to block all leakages draining Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Adhoc Committee on Illegal Mining on Wednesday in Abuja, the Committee Chairman, Rep. Sanni Abdulraheem, described the situation as “a matter of national urgency,” adding that the committee would “leave no stone unturned” in its mission to expose corruption, enforce transparency and ensure that every kobo derived from the nation’s mineral wealth is fully accounted for.
“We will not look away. Illegal mining has bled this country for too long, and this committee will ensure those responsible are held accountable,” Abdulraheem declared.
He expressed concern that illegal mining not only deprives the country of billions in legitimate revenue but also fuels insecurity, destroys the environment, and displaces communities in mining regions.
The committee, he said, will embark on a series of structured oversight engagements to strengthen revenue tracking systems, close loopholes, and collaborate closely with ministries, agencies, private operators, and host communities to restore accountability and order in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reported over 500 arrests linked to illegal mining activities, with 270 prosecutions currently underway, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing regulators and security agencies.
“We lost approximately nine billion US dollars in just over two and a half months through illegal mining,” he revealed. “This theft of our resources must stop. Our mission is to block revenue leakages, enforce transparency, and make sure every kobo from our natural resources contributes to national development.”
“We are here today to ensure that every Naira inherited from our rich natural resources contributes to our national economy. As we move forward, one of the core objectives of this committee is to block revenue leakages caused by illegal mining and associated activities which not only steal from our national treasury, but also hinder the growth of legitimate mining operations that could contribute substantially to our national revenue.
“Structured oversight will strengthen our revenue tracking mechanism and ensure that the full benefit of Nigerian mining flows directly into the government coffers. Rather than being siphoned off through illegal mining activities.
He also referenced the long-dormant Ajaokuta Steel Company as a symbol of Nigeria’s untapped potential, expressing optimism that renewed government efforts under the current administration would revitalize the project.
“Ajaokuta stands as a glaring testament to our failure to harness our mineral wealth. But today, we see political will like never before. The appointment of an indigenous professional to lead its revival gives us hope for a stronger steel sector that will drive industrialization and job creation,” he said.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Assistant Commander Atta John Onoja said the Corps had intensified its clampdown on illegal mining operations nationwide.
Onoja, who heads the Mining Marshal Unit, a joint task force established in March 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals revealed that over 500 illegal miners have been arrested, with 270 already facing trial and several convictions secured in recent weeks.
“Illegal miners are no longer having their field day. Many are now running to regularize their operations,” Onoja stated. “The NSCDC, under the directive of the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Solid Minerals, remains committed to eliminating illegal mining to its barest minimum.”
While acknowledging operational challenges, Onoja called for stronger legal frameworks to ensure effective prosecution and deterrence against mining-related crimes.
He assured the lawmakers of the NSCDC’s maximum cooperation and partnership in the national effort to sanitize the sector, emphasizing that the fight against illegal mining aligns directly with the Corps’ mandate to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.
The committee ended the inaugural meeting entering an executive session to chart its roadmap for investigations and collaboration with key stakeholders.