The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into alleged financial misconduct, funding irregularities and operational lapses within the Mining Marshals, following claims that more than ₦2 billion was traced to the bank account of one of the unit’s State Commanders.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga during Wednesday’s plenary, calling for a comprehensive probe into the activities, funding structure, legal framework and alleged corrupt practices within the security outfit.
Presenting 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 explained that the corps, comprising over 2,200 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was created to tackle illegal mining, secure mining sites and protect Nigeria’s mineral resources.
However, the lawmaker alleged that the unit had strayed from its original mandate.
According to him, some personnel lacked adequate knowledge of mining operations, leading to the harassment and wrongful arrest of legitimate mining licence holders while presenting such actions as achievements in the fight against illegal mining.
Danga also raised concerns over allegations that more than ₦2 billion was discovered in the bank 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 ₦2 billion in the bank account of a State Commander,” he said.
He further alleged that the officer was merely redeployed instead of being prosecuted or subjected to disciplinary action, raising concerns about possible compromise within the organisation.
The lawmaker also questioned the procurement of operational vehicles for the Mining Marshals, saying there was no clear evidence of legislative approval or budgetary allocation for the purchases.
Following the motion’s adoption, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, directed the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development to conduct a nationwide investigation into the activities of the Mining Marshals.
The committee is expected to examine whether the corps is operating within its legal mandate, investigate the alleged ₦2 billion fraud, review similar cases across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and scrutinise the unit’s funding sources, procurement processes and legal structure.
The committee has been given four weeks to submit its findings to the House for further legislative action.
