Mining Marshals and the Fight Against Terrorism in Nigeria’s Mineral Sector
By Zekeri Idakwo Laruba
The recent sentencing of Ansaru commander, Mahmud Usman, to 15 years in prison may seem like just another court ruling, but its resonance runs far deeper. For the first time, the judiciary has drawn an undeniable line between terrorism and illegal mining, affirming a disturbing reality long whispered in security circles. Minerals, in this light, are not merely commodities, they are the fuel of conflict.
It is against this backdrop that the Mining Marshals, launched in 2024 under the leadership of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, have stepped onto the national stage. They embody more than an enforcement squad; they mark a recognition that mining is no longer just an economic enterprise but a national security frontline. Their mandate extends beyond driving out illegal miners. They are cutting off financial arteries to criminal gangs, reclaiming vulnerable communities, and restoring a sector long abandoned to disorder.
Alongside boots on the ground, government has moved decisively to reset the rules. The recent revocation of 1,263 mineral licenses may appear, on paper, to be an administrative exercise. In reality, it is a declaration of intent. Dormant titles and speculative ownership are being swept away to make room for genuine investors. By insisting on compliance, government is aligning regulatory authority with field enforcement, something Nigeria’s mineral sector has long lacked.
For decades, mining has been shackled by chaos: militias funded through illicit excavations, speculators locking up titles with no development, and communities ravaged by degradation. The Marshals, combined with regulatory reforms, represent a blueprint for change. They are not only policing minefields; they are rewriting the rules of engagement in the solid minerals sector.
Yet, the optimism must be measured. History reminds us that Nigeria’s security innovations often fade once political attention wanes. Without consistent funding, real inter-agency collaboration, and transparency in reallocating revoked licenses, the Mining Marshals risk becoming another well-intentioned experiment. Communities in Zamfara, Niger, and Plateau already know how quickly hope dissolves when corruption creeps back through the door.
Still, the opportunity is historic. A terror conviction linked to mining, a sweeping clean-up of mineral licenses, and the creation of a specialized security outfit together signal a new dawn. If sustained, these reforms could transform solid minerals from a neglected contributor of less than one percent of GDP into a cornerstone of diversification.
For too long, Nigeria’s mineral wealth has enriched criminals and opportunists. The task now is to ensure it empowers communities, strengthens the economy, and denies terrorists their war chest. At this crossroads of security and reform, the Mining Marshals stand as a test of whether Nigeria is ready to claim its mineral future.
Zekeri Idakwo Laruba is the Assistant Editor Economic confidential. [email protected]