FG cracks down on illegal mining in Kogi, Ondo, charges suspects to court
The federal government has taken legal action against several suspected illegal miners arrested in Kogi and Ondo states following a recent operation by the Mining Marshals.
According to the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, this crackdown is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to sanitise the mining sector.
The operation, named “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” was conducted in the Ikah Community of Ankpa Local Government Area (LGA) in Kogi State, where two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian were apprehended for engaging in illegal mining activities that violated existing regulations.
The Mining Marshals also carried out a raid on an illegal gold mining site in the Ogunlepa, Oluwa Forest Reserve, located in the Odigbo LGA of Ondo State. This raid led to the arrest of four suspects, who were caught actively mining gold without the necessary licenses or authorisation. During interrogation, the suspects admitted they did not have the required permissions to conduct their mining operations.
All suspects from the operations in Kogi and Ondo states have been charged to the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Mining Marshals, a specialised force of 2,570 officers drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were established under the leadership of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake. This initiative is a key component of the Minister’s 7-point agenda aimed at sanitising and reforming the mining sector.
Dr. Alake has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining across the country. He highlighted plans to enhance the operations of the Mining Marshals through technological integration and the implementation of satellite monitoring systems for mining sites.
The Minister also issued a stern warning to those still engaged in illegal mining activities, urging them to comply with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA) to regularise their operations. He emphasised the government’s determination to enforce the law and bring offenders to justice.
