By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Mining Marshals sealed seven mineral buying and processing centres in Kontagora, Niger State, on June 12, 2026, over alleged regulatory violations. The enforcement operation targeted companies suspected of breaching the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011. Officials also arrested four individuals to support ongoing investigations into unlawful mineral trading activities.
Seven Companies Affected
The affected facilities include:
- 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
- Another mineral buying facility operating in the area
Authorities said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance across Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Investigators Cite Licensing and Documentation Concerns
Preliminary investigations revealed that some operators failed to present the required statutory licences and approvals for mineral purchasing and processing activities.
In addition, investigators found cases where operators allegedly sourced minerals from suppliers without the mandatory documentation required under existing mining regulations.
The Mining Marshals stated that they would verify all licences and approvals in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other relevant regulatory agencies. The verification process will determine the compliance status of each affected company.
Millions of Naira Worth of Minerals Recovered
During the operation, officials recovered minerals, including Monazite, Iron Ore and Zircon, with an estimated value running into several millions of naira.
Authorities have retained the recovered minerals as investigations continue in line with applicable legal procedures.
Mining Marshals Vow Stronger Enforcement
Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Attah Onoja, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources through strict enforcement.
He stressed that illegal mining depends on buyers willing to purchase unlawfully sourced minerals.
“Where there are no buyers of illegally mined minerals, illegal mining cannot thrive. Our enforcement efforts will continue to target every link in the illegal mining value chain to ensure that only lawful and properly regulated mineral trading activities are permitted,” Onoja said.
He added that the Mining Marshals will continue to enforce mining laws, promote transparency and support lawful operations throughout Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
