Mining Marshals have sealed seven mineral buying and processing centres in Kontagora, Niger State, during a recent enforcement operation.
The action, carried out on June 12, 2026, followed investigations into suspected violations of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011.
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, and another mineral buying facility operating in the area. Four individuals were also taken into custody to assist ongoing investigations.
According to preliminary findings, some operators were unable to provide the required statutory licences and approvals for mineral purchasing and processing activities.
Investigators also observed instances where minerals were reportedly sourced from suppliers without complete documentation required under existing mining regulations.
The Mining Marshals noted that further verification of licences and approvals will be conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other relevant regulatory agencies to determine the compliance status of the affected companies.
Minerals recovered during the operation, including Monazite, Iron Ore and Zircon, have an estimated value running into several millions of naira and remain subject to ongoing investigation and applicable legal processes.
Speaking on the operation, Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Attah Onoja, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to strengthening lawful mining activities, protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and ensuring compliance across the sector.
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 stated.