Nigeria’s efforts to curb illegal mining and protect its mineral resources have received a significant boost with the commencement of a specialised capacity-building programme for the Mining Marshals of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The initiative is being implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime under the Canada-funded Project to Strengthen Nigeria’s Response to Criminal and Terrorist Finance Related to Minerals.
The four-day workshop, taking place in Abuja from 25 to 28 November 2025, is designed to enhance the ability of Mining Marshals to detect, investigate and disrupt criminal and terrorist financial networks connected to illegal mineral exploitation.
It also aims to improve coordination among law enforcement agencies responsible for safeguarding the country’s mineral assets.
According to UNODC, 20 technical officers, including a coordinating officer, will participate in the training.
The selected officers are expected to have practical experience handling cases involving illegal mining and mineral-related financial crimes.
Declaring the workshop open, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Abubakar Ahmed Audi, praised the initiative as an important global partnership in securing Nigeria’s mineral resources from criminal infiltration.
Represented by ACG Muktar Lawal, he reiterated the Corps’ commitment to supporting the objectives of the programme, noting its alignment with the federal government’s renewed focus on protecting natural resources.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals Corps, John Onoja Attah, described UNODC’s engagement as a significant endorsement of the government’s resolve to sanitise the mineral sector. He emphasised the dedication of the Mining Marshals to discipline, diligence and proactive enforcement in fulfilling the mandate of the Corps.
Illegal mining has long been associated with revenue loss, environmental damage, insecurity and the financing of criminal groups.
Stakeholders say the collaboration between UNODC and the NSCDC represents a critical step in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to dismantle illicit mineral economies and reinforce transparency in the sector.
The workshop is expected to set a new benchmark for coordinated, intelligence-driven mineral resource protection and contribute to ongoing reforms aimed at restoring order to Nigeria’s solid minerals industry.
