The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 13 suspected illegal miners in the Asokoro area of Abuja.
The suspects were intercepted and arrested on Wednesday evening while transporting tons of coal and kaolin in five trucks from Nassarawa State to a site in Kaduna State.
In a statement on Thursday night, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale said:
“Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 13 suspected illegal miners in the Asokoro area of Abuja in an operation on Wednesday, 24 July 2024.
“The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation,”
The suspects are Yunusa Adisa, Ganiyu Kazeem, Muideen Babayemi, Sulaiman Usman, Adeleke Waliu, Tiamiyu Rokeeb, Olusola Sunday, Oyedokun Oluwagbemiga, Sulaimon Ishiaq, and Olufimihan Eniola.
This operation is part of the EFCC’s efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the country, which have been linked to environmental degradation and economic losses.
In recent years, Nigeria has faced significant challenges related to illegal mining operations. Though rich in natural resources, including gold, iron ore, and tin, the lack of effective regulation has led to widespread illegal mining activities.
These illegal operations have resulted in environmental degradation, displacement of communities, and loss of revenue for the government.
Furthermore, they have also been linked to human rights abuses, including child labour and violence against local populations.
The EFCC has vowed to continue its clampdown on illegal mining activities in the country.