By Endurance Enemona Samuel
The Bureau Journal reports that the Commander of the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), John Onoja, has dismissed a police report alleging that one of his officers was linked to over N2 billion in suspicious bank transactions following the death of a Mining Marshal operative.
Onoja described the report as false and misleading, insisting that it was part of a coordinated attempt to discredit the Mining Marshals and their operations against illegal mining activities in Nigeria.
Bank Records “Contradict Allegation” — NSCDC Commander
Reacting to the viral publication claiming that three NSCDC officers were arrested and that over N2 billion was traced to a suspect’s account, Onoja said the figures were inaccurate and deliberately exaggerated.
He explained that the account in question showed legitimate transactions far below what was reported.
“The Zenith Bank account belonging to Jibrin Labaran showed a total debit of N760,457.25 and a total credit of N760,129.85 within the period under review, representing the officer’s salary and legitimate earnings,” he stated.
According to him, the narrative of massive financial impropriety was baseless and intended to undermine the credibility of ongoing enforcement operations in the mining sector.
Allegations of Interference in Operations
Onoja also accused officers attached to Team N of the Force Intelligence Department of the Nigeria Police Force of repeatedly interfering with Mining Marshals operations in Nasarawa State.
He alleged that enforcement activities targeting illegal mining sites had been consistently obstructed over the past year.
“For over a year, the team has consistently disrupted lawful Mining Marshals operations at the site,” he said.
He further alleged that some arrested suspects linked to illegal mining activities had been released or shielded from prosecution due to interference by the same police team.
Call for DSS Intervention
Following the death of Deputy Superintendent of Corps Agada Levi, Onoja said he requested that the investigation be transferred from the Nigeria Police Force to the Department of State Services (DSS) for an independent review.
He argued that only an impartial investigation could establish the true circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Hence, my letter to the Inspector-General of Police requesting that the matter be transferred to the DSS for impartial review and handling,” he said.
Claims of Foreign Involvement
The NSCDC commander further alleged that foreign nationals whose illegal mining operations were shut down in Nasarawa State were sponsoring attempts to discredit the Mining Marshals.
“The real actors behind these actions are foreign nationals who see the Mining Marshals as a common enemy because of our crackdown on illegal mining activities,” he alleged.
He maintained that the unit remains committed to its mandate of combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s natural resources.
Onoja urged the public to remain calm while relevant authorities review the matter and investigate the allegations thoroughly.
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