The Federal Government has intensified its efforts to curb illegal mining activities, following a successful clearance operation carried out by the Mining Marshals in Jaguna, near the Iye/Odogbe communities in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
On July 15, 2024, the area, a forested region known for illegal mining, was raided by the Mining Marshals, leading to the arrest of seven suspected illegal gold miners. Labourers working at the site were given five days to vacate the premises, as part of ongoing efforts to restore order to the region.
The crackdown became necessary after repeated appeals by traditional rulers for the illegal miners to leave the site were ignored. Their refusal to vacate had hindered licensed mineral titleholders from accessing the area for legitimate operations.
For more than 16 years, armed illegal miners had occupied the location, preventing rightful license holders from carrying out mining activities.
Despite initial efforts to address the issue peacefully, intelligence reports revealed that the illegal miners remained defiant.
In response, the Mining Marshals returned to the site last week and neutralized the armed gangs that had been resisting the clearance. The operation was hailed as a success, as the marshals regained control of the site and restored order.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Attah Onoja, emphasized the government’s renewed commitment to eliminating illegal mining operations.
He highlighted the resolve of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, to enforce the law and protect Nigeria’s natural resources from exploitation by unauthorized individuals.
Onoja issued a stern warning to all those involved in illegal mining, regardless of their status, to cease their activities or face severe legal consequences.
“This is a clear message to those engaging in illegal mining that the government will not tolerate any further defiance. The full weight of the law will be brought to bear on anyone caught in these unlawful acts,” he said.
The federal government’s increased efforts to regulate the mining sector are seen as part of a broader push to harness Nigeria’s mineral resources for economic growth while curbing the negative impact of illegal operations, which often result in environmental degradation and loss of government revenue.