Reps probe alleged N2bn fraud, funding irregularities in mining marshals

By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into alleged financial misconduct, funding irregularities and operational lapses within the Mining Marshals, following claims that over N2 billion was traced to the bank account of a State Commander of the security outfit.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga during plenary on Wednesday, seeking a comprehensive probe into the activities, legal framework, funding structure and alleged corrupt practices within the Mining Marshals.

Moving the motion, Danga recalled that the Mining Marshals Corps was inaugurated on March 21, 2024, by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Interior.

He said the corps, made up of more than 2,200 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was established to combat illegal mining activities, secure mining sites and protect the nation’s mineral resources.

According to him, the unit derives its mandate from relevant provisions of the NSCDC Act and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, with responsibilities including curbing illegal mining, addressing security challenges in mining communities and protecting government revenue from the sector.

However, the lawmaker expressed concern that the Mining Marshals had allegedly deviated from their core mandate.

He alleged that some personnel lacked sufficient knowledge of mining operations, resulting in the harassment and wrongful arrest of legitimate mineral title holders, with such actions being presented as achievements in the fight against illegal mining.

Danga also raised concerns over alleged financial impropriety within the unit, particularly claims that more than N2 billion was discovered in the account of a State Commander of the Mining Marshals.

“The House is also concerned by grave allegations of financial impropriety within the unit, specifically the reported discovery of over N2 billion in the bank account of a State Commander of the Mining Marshals,” he said.

He further alleged that the officer involved was redeployed rather than subjected to prosecution or a formal disciplinary process, a development he said had raised concerns about possible compromise within the corps.

The lawmaker also questioned the transparency surrounding the procurement of operational vehicles for the unit, saying there was no clear record of legislative appropriation or budgetary provision for the expenditure.

He warned that alleged operational and financial irregularities could undermine efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources, encourage revenue leakages, worsen insecurity in mining communities and discourage investment in the solid minerals sector.

Following the adoption of the motion, Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary, mandated the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the Mining Marshals nationwide.

The committee is expected to determine whether the corps is operating within its legal mandate, investigate allegations of corruption, including the reported N2 billion linked to a former State Commander, and examine similar cases across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The probe will also cover the source of funds used for the procurement of operational vehicles, external financial inflows into the unit, the budgetary framework supporting its activities, and the legality of its establishment, structure and composition.

The committee has been given four weeks to submit its report for further legislative action.

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