Nigerian Govt arrests 300 illegal mining operators – Minister

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said the Federal Government has arrested a total of 300 illegal miners across the country in a move to revitalise Nigeria’s mining sector.

Alake made this known during a strategic briefing of the House Committee on Solid Minerals’ Oversight visit at the Ministry’s Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

The visit saw the unveiling of a series of transformative strides aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s mining sector by Alake.

The minister, with a clear focus on the comprehensive 7-point agenda, emphasised the progress made in securing Nigeria’s mining operations, deterring illegal activities, and positioning the sector as a cornerstone of economic growth.

The minister credited the progress to the proactive support of President Bola Tinubu, which has enabled an effective inter-ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, ensuring swift deployment of resources and personnel to protect mining regions.

“At the forefront of this transformation is a strengthened security framework designed to combat illegal mining—a longstanding challenge that has threatened both local communities and Nigeria’s global standing. Since deploying over 2,000 trained mine marshals, nearly 300 illegal operators, including foreign nationals, have been apprehended, significantly reducing unauthorized mining activity across the nation.

“This renewed security architecture is already having a profound impact. Our commitment to safeguarding our mining sites is also a commitment to Nigeria’s stability and an invitation to investors who seek reliable partnerships,” he said.

In addition to strengthening security, the minister shared the ministry’s vision for establishing Nigeria as a global mineral hub.

According to him, targeted outreach efforts have successfully attracted the interest of leading international investors, positioning Nigeria’s mineral sector for future partnerships that promise mutual growth.

He expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Nigeria’s legislative authorities and other key partners, emphasising that these combined efforts are building a resilient foundation for the sector.