The Federal Government has charged two Chinese nationals and one Nigerian with illegal mining in Kogi and Ondo States.
According to a statement from Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the arrests were made during a recent operation called ‘Operation Hayakin Kogo’.
The operation was carried out by the Mining Marshals in Ikah Community, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Tomori said, “The suspects were caught mining without proper authorization. This is part of our ongoing efforts to clean up the mining sector.”
In addition, the Mining Marshals raided an illegal gold mining site in Ogunlepa, Oluwa Forest Reserve, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. During this raid, four more suspects were arrested. These suspects admitted that they were mining gold in a protected area without any licenses.
Tomori added, “These suspects from Kogi and Ondo have been charged to the Federal High Court in Abuja.”
The Mining Marshals, a group of 2,570 trained personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, were created to improve the mining sector. Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, initiated this group as part of his plan to reform mining practices in Nigeria.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ending illegal mining. He said, “We are enhancing the operations of the Mining Marshals with new technology and satellite monitoring of mining sites. We urge those involved in illegal mining to follow the law and get the proper licenses.”
The Federal Government remains firm in its efforts to enforce mining regulations and ensure legal compliance in the sector.
