Mining Marshals warn media against ‘rogue journalism’ on illegal mining

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, has cautioned the Nigerian media against engaging in biased or compromised reporting on illegal mining activities across the country.

Speaking at a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council in Abuja, Onoja alleged that illegal mining cartels are actively sponsoring what he described as “rogue journalism” in an attempt to undermine the enforcement efforts of security agencies.

He stressed that responsible media coverage is crucial in the fight against illegal mining, urging journalists to focus on facts and avoid narratives designed to shield criminal networks.

“We will not cave to any blackmail designed to weaken our resolve,” Onoja declared. “Illegal mining cannot be defeated by enforcement agencies alone, and this is why we are calling on the media to be partners in this fight.”

The Mining Marshals are an enforcement unit created under the Tinubu administration, operating as part of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Since their establishment mandated by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake the Marshals have actively dismantled illegal mining camps, prosecuted offenders, and restored peace in volatile mining corridors.

Despite facing serious challenges including entrenched powerful interests and inadequate logistics, Onoja insisted their campaign is essential to Nigeria’s survival.

“Our message is clear: Nigeria’s mineral wealth belongs to all Nigerians—not to be plundered by a few,” he emphasized.

Onoja’s call for media collaboration comes amid growing revelations by security agencies, including the Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner Ajao Adewale, who exposed illegal mining as a cartel-driven enterprise bankrolled by influential Nigerians and fueling banditry. Adewale noted that Nigeria loses an estimated $9 billion (₦13.7 trillion) annually to illegal mining and gold smuggling.

The Marshals’ efforts are part of a broader security response tackling hotspots such as Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Osun, and parts of the FCT like Gwagwalada, Asokoro, Gaube, Kuje, and Katampe Extension.

Over 72 suspects were arrested in Abuja alone between 2023 and 2024 for involvement in illegal mining, according to joint operations by NSCDC, Police, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Onoja highlighted the difficulty of the campaign but stressed the importance of relentless enforcement combined with informed media advocacy to dismantle the criminal cartels controlling mining activities.

The National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayanleke, supported the Mining Marshals’ stance, pointing out that illegal mining thrives due to corruption, poverty, and weak governance, causing devastating social and environmental harm—from child labour in Nasarawa’s lithium fields to mercury poisoning in gold mines in Zamfara.

Meanwhile Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike earlier urged journalists to go beyond superficial reportage.

She called on the media to conduct investigative journalism that exposes financiers behind illegal mining, amplifies community voices, and holds policymakers accountable.

“As gatekeepers of truth, we must investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining on communities and natural resources,” Ike said.

The NUJ FCT Council pledged ongoing support to amplify the stories of affected communities, empowering citizens with the information necessary to demand transparency, regulatory oversight, and environmental protection.

The Mining Marshals are urging the media to partner closely with law enforcement in the fight against illegal mining, ensuring balanced, accurate, and fearless reporting that supports Nigeria’s national security and resource sovereignty.