The House of Representatives has ordered a comprehensive 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 Wednesday’s plenary, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
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 to tackle illegal mining activities across the country.
He explained that the corps comprises more than 2,200 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and derives its mandate from the NSCDC Act and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
According to him, the unit was established to combat illegal mining, secure mining sites, protect mineral resources and safeguard government revenue from the solid minerals sector.
However, the lawmaker alleged that the Mining Marshals had strayed from their core responsibilities, accusing some personnel of lacking adequate knowledge of mining operations and harassing legitimate mineral title holders under the guise of enforcing the law.
Danga also raised concerns over alleged financial misconduct within the unit, citing reports that more than N2 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 N2 billion in the bank account of a State Commander of the Mining Marshals,” he said.
He further alleged that the officer was merely redeployed instead of being prosecuted or subjected to disciplinary proceedings, a development he said had raised concerns about accountability and possible compromise within the corps.
The lawmaker also questioned the procurement of operational vehicles for the Mining Marshals, saying there was no clear evidence of legislative appropriation or budgetary provision for the purchases.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to investigate the activities of the Mining Marshals nationwide.
The committee is to determine whether the corps is operating within its legal mandate, probe the alleged N2 billion scandal and similar cases across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It is also to examine the source of funds for operational vehicles, external financial inflows, the unit’s budgetary framework and the legality of its establishment and is expected to submit its report within four weeks.
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