The Federal Government has charged suspected illegal miners arrested in Kogi and Ondo states during a recent operation led by the Mining Marshals to court.
According to a statement released on September 2 by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, “the operation, code-named ‘Operation Hayakin Kogo,’ took place in the Ikah Community of Ankpa LGA, Kogi State, resulting in the arrest of two (2) Chinese nationals and a Nigerian for mining activities in violation of existing mining regulations.”
In a related incident, the Mining Marshals also conducted a raid on an illegal gold mining site in the Ogunlepa, Oluwa Forest Reserve, Odigbo LGA of Ondo State. This raid led to the arrest of four suspects who were caught red-handed engaging in illegal mining activities within a Government Reserved Area. During interrogation, the individuals confessed that they lacked the necessary licenses or authorisation to carry out their operations.
The suspects from both Kogi and Ondo states have since been arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
This crackdown is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reform the mining sector. The 2,570-strong Mining Marshals, who were specially trained and drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), are a key initiative of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, as part of his 7-point agenda to sanitise and revitalise the industry.
The Minister reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal mining in the country, emphasising plans to enhance the operations of the Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and the upcoming satellite monitoring of mining sites. He urged those still involved in illegal mining to comply with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA) and regularise their operations, warning that the government’s resolve to enforce the law is “unflinching.”
