The Mining Marshals, a specialized unit tasked with curbing illegal mining activities across Nigeria, have reported being blocked by security forces while attempting to arrest Chinese nationals involved in illegal lithium mining in Libata, Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The confrontation, which took place last Friday, saw the Marshals clash with military and police personnel who, according to the Marshals, were protecting the Chinese miners.
The Mining Marshals were recently deployed by the Federal Government as part of an initiative to combat illegal mining. This special unit, drawn from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was commissioned by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, in collaboration with other security agencies.
During their operation, the illegal miners, upon hearing of the impending raid, temporarily retreated to their living quarters. However, the Mining Marshals, led by Commander Attah Onoja, successfully located them and lined them up for transport to Abuja. Despite having prior clearance for the operation, the Marshals were reportedly stopped by security forces, who insisted on protecting the Chinese nationals involved.
In response to the interference, Commander Onoja decided to de-escalate the situation, retreating in a bid to avoid further confrontation and emphasizing that necessary legal actions would be pursued. He clarified that the operation’s goal was not to halt mining in the area but to ensure that only licensed miners were operating. According to the Marshals, the individuals at the site were not listed among those authorized to mine there.
While inspecting the site, the Marshals discovered vehicles belonging to a Chinese state-owned company, which they suspected were linked to the illegal mining operations. Engr. Adamu Tah, CEO of El-TahDam Exploration, whose company holds a valid Mining Lease for the area, accused the Chinese miners of engaging in illegal activities.
He also claimed that local and influential figures were aiding the illegal operations, which he said were undermining his efforts to establish a $50 million processing plant that would create over 3,000 jobs.
Tah explained that his company had secured the necessary permits to operate on the site and was in the process of developing the plant, but was being obstructed by the Chinese miners.
He alleged that the Chinese were exploiting the area, removing large quantities of crude materials, and blocking his access to the site. Tah further stated that his company had gained the support of the local community, which was eager to see the processing plant project proceed, but the presence of the illegal miners was preventing progress.
