The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining in Nigeria
Abuja – The Federal Government has taken legal action against two Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, all of whom were arrested for alleged illegal mining activities in Kogi and Ondo States.
According to a statement issued by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the arrests were made by the Mining Marshals during an operation code-named ‘Operation Hayakin Kogo’.
The operation took place in the Ikah Community of Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State, leading to the apprehension of the two Chinese and one Nigerian for conducting mining operations in violation of existing regulations.
The statement further revealed that in a separate operation, the Mining Marshals raided an illegal gold mining site within the Ogunlepa, Oluwa Forest Reserve in Odigbo Local Government Area, Ondo State. Four suspects were arrested during this raid. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to engaging in mining activities without the necessary licenses or authorizations.
The suspects, hailing from Kogi and Ondo States, have been taken to the Federal High Court in to face charges.
The Mining Marshals, a 2,570-strong unit drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were established as part of Dr. Dele Alake’s seven-point agenda aimed at sanitizing and reforming Nigeria’s mining sector.
The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining, noting plans to enhance the capabilities of the Mining Marshals through the integration of technology and the impending satellite monitoring of mining sites.
The Minister also issued a stern warning to those still involved in illegal mining activities, urging them to comply with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA) to regularize their operations, as the government remains resolute in its efforts to enforce the law.
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