In a decisive move to address the growing menace of illegal mining, the federal government has charged several suspects arrested during a recent operation led by the Mining Marshals.
The operation, known as “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” was aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and enforcing compliance with mining regulations across Kogi and Ondo states.
The operation led to significant arrests in Kogi state where the Mining Marshals raided the Ikah Community in Ankpa Local Government Area, and apprehended two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian engaged in illegal mining.
The suspects were found to be operating without the required licenses and violating established mining regulations.
A subsequent raid was conducted in the Ogunlepa area within the Oluwa Forest Reserve, Odigbo Local Government Area in Ondo state. Four individuals were arrested for illegally mining gold in a Government Reserved Area.
The suspects admitted during interrogation that they did not possess the necessary authorizations or licenses for their activities.
All arrested suspects from Kogi and Ondo states have been charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja, marking a significant step in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining.
The Mining Marshals, a specialized force of 2,570 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were established under the leadership of Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
The initiative is a core component of Dr. Alake’s 7-point agenda focused on sanitizing and reforming the mining sector in Nigeria.
The Mining Marshals are equipped with training and resources to enforce mining laws and regulations effectively.
Alake recently reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to eradicating illegal mining through enhanced operations of the Mining Marshals.
”Plans are underway to integrate advanced technology and satellite monitoring systems to oversee mining sites more effectively,” he noted.
Alake emphasized that those involved in illegal mining activities must cease their operations and align with the legal requirements outlined in the NNMA.
”The Federal Government urges all stakeholders in the mining sector to adhere to legal standards and regularize their operations to avoid legal repercussions.
”The enforcement of mining regulations is crucial for the sustainable development of the mining industry and the protection of Nigeria’s natural resources,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Alake has reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders in the mining industry to revamp Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, ensuring it becomes a major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in future.
This was announced during a stakeholder meeting organized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on Mining Policy Dialogue and the Amendment of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, held at the Rock View Hotel, Wuse II, Abuja.
Speaking at the workshop, the minister highlighted the unified vision shared by mine operators, policymakers, and government officials in reviewing and updating the Nigerian Mining Act of 2007.
