Posted by Chinenye on Fri 26th Jun, 2026 - tori.ng
A major enforcement operation in Niger State has led to the sealing of multiple suspected illegal mineral buying and processing centres.
( NSCDC. Photo Credit: Sahara Reporters)
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals have sealed seven suspected illegal mineral buying and processing centres in Kontagora, Niger State, following investigations into alleged violations of Nigeria's mining laws and mineral trading regulations.
The operation, carried out on June 12, 2026, led to the closure of 17 Mines & Minerals Limited, LALO Mining Limited, AL-YAMAN Global Concept Nigeria Limited, SIMASS Mining & Trading Company Limited, YMJ Minerals & Mines Nigeria Limited, Dating Company Industry Limited, and one other mineral buying facility operating in the area.
Four suspects linked to some of the companies were also arrested.
According to preliminary findings, the enforcement action followed credible intelligence indicating that some of the companies were operating mineral buying centres without the required approvals and were allegedly procuring strategic minerals from unverified sources, in violation of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011.
Investigators found that representatives of some of the companies admitted purchasing Monazite from suppliers who presented only state or local government revenue receipts, without producing valid Mining Leases, Small-Scale Mining Leases, Licences to Purchase and Possess Minerals, Mineral Buying Centre Licences, or other statutory documents required under the law.
Statements obtained from officials of AL-YAMAN Global Concept Nigeria Limited and 17 Mines & Minerals Limited indicated that both companies routinely purchased minerals without verifying whether suppliers had the legal authority to mine, possess, or sell them raising serious concerns over the integrity of the mineral supply chain.
The investigation further established that no documentary evidence was produced during the operation to show that some of the affected companies held valid licences authorising them to procure minerals from third parties.
Investigators noted prima facie evidence of regulatory non-compliance and reasonable suspicion that minerals processed by some of the companies may have originated from illegal mining operations.
The report recommended comprehensive verification of licences, investigation of identified suppliers, legal review of findings, and prosecution where criminal conduct is established.
It also proposed the forfeiture of all minerals recovered during the operation to the Federal Government in line with existing laws.
A preliminary valuation of the seized minerals comprising Monazite, Iron Ore, and Zircon indicated they were worth several millions of naira.
Confirming the operation, Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Attah Onoja, described the crackdown as part of ongoing efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector and dismantle illegal mineral trading networks.
"Where there are no buyers of illegally mined minerals, illegal miners won't exist," he said.