Reps probe alleged N2bn fraud, funding irregularities in mining marshals

The House of Representatives has initiated a formal inquiry into alleged financial misconduct and operational shortcomings within the Mining Marshals, after reports surfaced that over N2 billion was found in the bank account of a State Commander of the security unit. The probe follows a motion introduced by Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga during a recent plenary session, which called for a thorough examination of the corps' activities, legal basis, funding mechanisms, and potential corruption. Danga moved the motion, citing concerns that the Mining Marshals have strayed from their intended purpose. He noted that the unit, established on March 21, 2024, by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Interior, was created to address illegal mining, ensure site security, and safeguard national mineral resources. Comprising over 2,200 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the corps operates under the NSCDC Act and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007. Despite these legal foundations, Danga raised alarms about the unit's deviation from its core mission. He highlighted instances where personnel reportedly lacked adequate training in mining operations, leading to the harassment and wrongful arrests of individuals holding valid mineral titles. Such actions were described as misrepresentations of success in combating illegal mining. Further concerns centered around financial discrepancies, particularly the discovery of over N2 billion in the bank account of a State Commander. Danga emphasized that this individual was instead redeployed rather than facing prosecution or disciplinary measures, raising questions about internal accountability and integrity within the organization. Additionally, the lawmaker pointed to a lack of transparency regarding the procurement of operational vehicles for the unit. There was no documented evidence of legislative approval or budgetary allocation for these expenditures, suggesting possible misuse of public funds. Danga warned that these alleged irregularities could jeopardize efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources, lead to revenue losses, exacerbate insecurity in mining areas, and deter investment in the solid minerals sector. His remarks underscored the urgency of addressing these issues before they escalate further. In response, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu directed the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development to conduct a nationwide investigation into the Mining Marshals. The committee is tasked with assessing whether the unit operates within its legal mandate, examining allegations of corruption, including the reported N2 billion linked to a former State Commander, and reviewing similar incidents across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The probe will also scrutinize the origins of funds used for vehicle procurement, any external financial inflows into the unit, the budgetary support for its operations, and the legality of its formation, structure, and composition. The committee has been granted four weeks to compile and present its findings for subsequent legislative review. This investigative process marks a critical step toward ensuring accountability and transparency within the Mining Marshals, with implications for both the effectiveness of resource protection and the broader governance of the country’s mineral sector. The outcome of this inquiry is anticipated to shape future policies and oversight mechanisms in the sector.