# Nigeria illegal mining and security response

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-illegal-mining-and-security-response
> Updated: 2026-08-25T19:52:48.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Efforts to combat illegal mining and related crimes in Nigeria have seen increased international cooperation and domestic recognition. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has advocated for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals to disrupt the links between illicit mining, organized crime, and terrorism funding across West Africa and the Sahel.

As part of this security focus, the UNODC highlighted the importance of the CONNECT Initiative, which seeks to strengthen global law enforcement cooperation against the crime-terrorism nexus. 

Domestically, the NSCDC has recognized leadership within its specialized units. Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals, was honored for his service in tackling mineral theft and economic crimes targeting Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: NSCDC honors Mining Marshals Commander Attah John Onoja

The NSCDC has honored Mining Marshals Commander Attah John Onoja with a meritorious award for his efforts in combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nscdc-honors-mining-marshals-commander-attah-john-onoja

### 2026-08-17: UNODC and Nigeria's NSCDC partner to combat illegal mining and terror funding

The UNODC and Nigeria's NSCDC Mining Marshals are partnering to disrupt the links between illegal mining, organized crime, and terrorism funding across West Africa and the Sahel.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unodc-and-nigerias-nscdc-partner-to-combat-illegal-mining-and-terror-funding

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Cite as: Nigeria illegal mining and security response. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-illegal-mining-and-security-response