The federal government of Nigeria has arraigned eight (8) Chinese nationals and one Nigerian apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit attached to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
In a press release by the Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid
Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, the accused persons were apprehended in an
operation called Operation Hayakin Kogo.
“The Federal Government’s efforts to combat illegal mining received a significant boost
yesterday with the arraignment of several Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities
in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of
Abia State.
“The suspects, including eight (8) Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, were recently
apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit crafted from the Nigeria
Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Marshals are tasked with ridding the
mining sector of illegal operators.
The Mining Marshals, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is the brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake. This initiative is a pivotal component of his 7-point agenda aimed at sanitising the mining environment.
“The trial of the suspects began yesterday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal
High Court, Abuja. The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without
lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations, amongst others.
“The defendants include SHEN YONGCHAN, MO BAIXIAN, XIAO BIN, HUANG XU FA,
MA BINGLI, YANG JIAN, LI PEIYIN, QUE WENYONG, HIYK EDWARD DESMOND,
and WANDA COMPANY LIMITED.
“Upon hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, the defendants were
remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of
the trial.
“The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force
dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas
across the country.
“The Minister is committed to strengthening the operations of the Mining Marshals
through the infusion of technology and more equipment to ultimately ensure that the
nation reaps maximum benefits from its God-given mineral resources.”
