The Federal Government has launched and deployed the Mines Marshal, a specialised security outfit tasked with tackling illegal mining, enforcing compliance with Nigeria’s mining laws and protecting the country’s natural resources.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the deployment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, saying it marked a renewed push to “smoke out illegal miners” and safeguard the nation’s mineral wealth for future generations.

“The launch and deployment of the Mines Marshal marks a renewed push to smoke out illegal miners, enforce compliance with Nigeria’s mining laws and protect our natural resources,” Tunji-Ojo said. “With specialised teams and equipment on the ground, the mission is clear: stop illegal mining, safeguard our resources and protect the future of generations to come.”

The Mines Marshal builds on the Mining Marshals established in March 2024 under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which has already recorded significant successes. According to NSCDC data, the Mining Marshals have arrested 671 suspected illegal miners nationwide, with 397 cases brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja and several convictions secured.

Revenue from the solid minerals sector rose from about ₦6 billion in 2023 to over ₦70 billion by June 2026 — a 337 per cent increase — according to the Solid Minerals Development Fund.

The deployment comes amid heightened concerns over illegal mining across Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions, where the activity has been linked to banditry, environmental degradation and loss of government revenue. Stakeholders have estimated that Nigeria loses ₦13.7 trillion annually to illicit mining and illegal trade in solid minerals.

The Mines Marshal will operate with specialised teams and equipment to enhance enforcement capacity, improve intelligence gathering and disrupt criminal networks involved in illegal mining. The initiative forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader efforts to reposition the solid minerals sector, attract investment, promote local value addition and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources deliver tangible economic benefits to citizens.