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Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps seals seven illegal mineral processing centers in Niger, arrests four
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps sealed seven suspected illegal mineral buying and processing centers in Kontagora, Niger State, and arrested four individuals for alleged violations of Nigeria鈥檚 mining laws. ACC John Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals, stated that the operation, conducted on June 12, 2026, aimed to curb illegal mining activities and restore order in the solid minerals sector. The sealed 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. Preliminary investigations indicated that some companies operated without required approvals and sourced strategic minerals from unverified suppliers, violating the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2011. Representatives of some companies admitted purchasing Monazite from suppliers who lacked valid mining leases, Small-Scale Mining Leases, Licences to Purchase and Possess Minerals, or Mineral Buying Centre Licences. Officials of AL-YAMAN Global Concept Nigeria Limited and 17 Mines & Minerals Limited also admitted purchasing minerals without verifying suppliers' legal authority. Investigators found no documentary evidence that some firms possessed valid Licences to Purchase and Possess Minerals or Mineral Buying Centre Licences.
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