Mining Marshals, Security Agencies Flush Out Illegal Miners from Kebbi Gold Sites


The Federal Government’s Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI) has recorded a major breakthrough following the removal of thousands of illegal miners from designated mining sites in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The operation was carried out through a coordinated, multi-agency security sweep led by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to security sources, the reclaimed PAGMI sites had been illegally occupied for several months by operators who deployed heavy mining machinery and engaged in unsafe practices that resulted in severe land degradation, pollution of water bodies, and rising insecurity in surrounding communities.
Farmlands were reportedly destroyed, rivers contaminated with mining waste, and abandoned pits left uncovered—posing deadly risks to residents, particularly during the rainy season.

Speaking on the operation, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant John Onoja Attah, said PAGMI was established to formalise artisanal mining, protect host communities, and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources generate inclusive economic benefits rather than chaos.


“Mining must be legal, structured, and sustainable. Anything outside the law endangers lives, damages the environment, and threatens national security,” Attah said.

Following the clearance, surveillance and routine patrols have been intensified to prevent the reoccupation of the sites. Environmental impact assessments and recovery measures are also underway to restore affected lands and water sources.

For communities in Yauri, the crackdown has brought cautious optimism—renewed hope that mining activities can finally serve the people and contribute to development, rather than undermine livelihoods and safety.








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