In a continued effort to sanitize the mining sector, the Federal Government has charged several individuals suspected of illegal mining activities in Kogi and Ondo States to court.
The arrests were made during a recent operation, “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” led by the Mining Marshals.
The operation in the Ikah Community of Ankpa Local Government Area (LGA), Kogi State, resulted in the apprehension of two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian for conducting mining activities in violation of existing mining regulations.
In a related crackdown, the Mining Marshals raided an illegal gold mining site within the Ogunlepa, Oluwa Forest Reserve, in Odigbo LGA, Ondo State. Four individuals were arrested for illegally mining gold in a Government Reserved Area. During interrogation, the suspects admitted they did not possess the required licenses or authorization for their operations.
All suspects from both states have been charged at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The 2,570-strong Mining Marshals, who are specially trained personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), are an initiative of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake. This initiative forms part of his seven-point agenda aimed at reforming and sanitizing the mining sector.
Dr. Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating illegal mining activities across the country. He highlighted plans to enhance the capabilities of the Mining Marshals with advanced technology and the imminent use of satellite monitoring of mining sites.
The Minister also urged those still engaged in illegal mining to comply with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA) and regularize their operations. He emphasized that the government remains resolute in its stance against illegal mining and will continue to take decisive action to uphold the law.
