The Nigerian government has charged seven suspects, including two Chinese nationals to court over alleged illegal mining activities in Kogi and Ondo states.
The suspects were arrested in a recent operation carried out by Mining Marshals, an enforcement unit tasked with regulating and securing the country’s mining sector.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Monday by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, through his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
The statement reads, “Operation three of the suspects – two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian were arrested by the Mining Marshalls for violation of existing mining regulations in an operation code-named ‘Operation Hayakin Kogo’ in Ikah Community of Ankpa LGA, Kogi State.”
The minister explained that the Mining Marshals also raided an illegal gold mining site in Ogunlepa, Oluwa Forest Reserve, Odigbo LGA of Ondo State, where four suspects were arrested.
“These individuals, caught in the act of illegally mining gold in a Government Reserved Area, confessed during interrogation that they lacked the necessary licenses or authorisation to carry out their operations.
“The suspects from both Kogi and Ondo states have since been charged to the Federal High Court, Abuja,” he stated.
A few weeks ago, the minister introduced 2,570 Mining Marshals, specially trained and recruited from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as part of his 7-point agenda aimed at reforming and sanitizing the mining sector.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining by enhancing the Mining Marshals’ operations through technological advancements and upcoming satellite monitoring of mining sites.
He urged those engaged in illegal mining activities to reform and comply with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA) to legalize their operations, emphasized that the Federal Government’s determination to take stringent action remains unwavering.