Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, has issued a stern warning to illegal miners operating in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, declaring that the era of unlawful mining activities has come to an end and that anyone caught flouting the law will face severe sanctions. Attah delivered the warning on Thursday, July 23, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ejeh of Ankpa and Chairman of the Ankpa Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu Ahmed, where both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration to eliminate illegal coal mining and promote safer, regulated mining operations in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Mining Marshals Commander urged residents to work only with duly licensed mining companies, stressing that mining activities must be conducted in line with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. He warned that individuals and groups operating outside the law would face severe sanctions, adding that the resolutions reached with the traditional institution would be backed by strict enforcement. "The mineral resources in Ankpa are a blessing and must not become a curse. Anyone who continues to engage in illegal mining after this engagement should be prepared to face the full weight of the law," Attah said.
The commander expressed concern over the rising number of deaths linked to unregulated mining operations, warning that unsafe mining practices would no longer be tolerated. According to him, the Mining Marshals would not tolerate practices that expose young people to avoidable risks in the quest for quick financial gains. He also called on host communities to report any licensed mining company that fails to fulfil its obligations under the Community Development Agreement, assuring them that the Federal Government would ensure compliance by operators. Attah reiterated the commitment of the Mining Marshals to sanitising the nation's mining sector through sustained enforcement of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, while strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions and host communities.
In his response, the Ejeh of Ankpa commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC Commandant General for what he described as their swift intervention in addressing illegal mining activities in the area. The monarch pledged the full support of the Ankpa Traditional Council in promoting responsible and lawful mining, noting that a well-regulated mining sector would create employment opportunities for youths while protecting lives and the environment. He declared zero tolerance for illegal and unregulated mining, assuring the Federal Government that the traditional institution would work closely with the Mining Marshals and other relevant authorities to ensure mining activities in Ankpa comply with existing laws.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at eliminating illegal mining, protecting host communities and ensuring that Ankpa's mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Kogi State and Nigeria at large. The renewed partnership comes amid growing concerns over the environmental degradation, insecurity and loss of lives associated with unregulated mining in Ankpa, which is rich in coal deposits. The NSCDC Mining Marshals have been at the forefront of the Federal Government's crackdown on illegal mining, having arrested hundreds of suspects, uncovered numerous illegal mining sites, and seized tonnes of unlicensed ore and equipment across the country. With the backing of traditional institutions and stricter enforcement, the latest move signals a decisive shift toward ending the impunity that has long plagued the mining sector in Kogi State and beyond.
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