The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate allegations of financial misconduct within the Mining Marshals security unit after reports that more than 2 billion naira was traced to the bank account of a state commander.

The resolution followed a motion by Abdulmaleek Danga, who recalled that the unit was established in March 2024 by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, comprising more than 2,200 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to secure mining sites and curb illegal mining and related banditry.

Danga alleged the unit had deviated from its mandate, with some personnel lacking adequate knowledge of the mining industry, leading to wrongful arrests of legitimate mineral title holders that were then presented publicly as successful operations against illegal miners. He raised concern that the officer allegedly linked to the 2 billion naira discovery was simply redeployed rather than facing formal investigation or discipline, fueling suspicion that the unit may have been compromised by illegal mining interests, and cited a lack of clear budgetary appropriation behind the recent procurement of operational vehicles for the unit.

Following adoption of the motion, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu directed the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development to investigate the unit’s operations nationwide, examine the alleged financial impropriety and vehicle procurement, and determine whether its structure complies with existing law, with a report due within four weeks.