Illegal Mining: The Crackdown Continues
The Federal Government of Nigeria has recently taken a strong stance against illegal mining, resulting in the impounding of 10 trucks and the subsequent charging of suspects in court for the illegal possession and transportation of minerals. The suspects were apprehended by Mining Marshals from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) along the Itobe-Ajokuta Road in Kogi State.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that the suspects did not possess the necessary letter of identification for the minerals they were transporting, thus contravening the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Mining Regulations, 2011. Additionally, it was found that the suspects had obtained the minerals from illegal miners in Kogi State without proper evidence of legal mining titles, records, or the payment of royalties. Furthermore, several companies were found to have unlawfully engaged third-party agents in the purchase of minerals from the “Awulu” community in Ankpa LGA, Kogi State.
Subsequently, the suspects have been charged and are currently awaiting arraignment, with the directors of the implicated companies also being summoned for questioning. In light of these events, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, has pledged to continue the comprehensive operation to ensure full compliance with the laws and regulations governing the mining sector in Nigeria. He has stressed the importance of all stakeholders supporting the efforts of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals in the ongoing sanitization of the Nigerian Mining Sector.
This enforcement action represents a significant stride towards reinstating integrity in the nation’s mining sector and ensuring that mineral resources are exploited in strict accordance with the law. It forms part of the Ministry of Solid Minerals’ 7-point agenda to cleanse the mining sector, underscoring a resolute commitment to upholding the rule of law.
In a related development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reported multiple frozen accounts used for terrorism financing, underscoring the urgency of leveraging technology to combat these illicit financial flows. Additionally, a terrorist leader from Niger, Halilu Buzu, responsible for acts of violence and illegal mining in Zamfara, has been declared a wanted individual by Nigeria’s military high command.
In a separate context, Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to chair a high-level dialogue aimed at advancing the progress achieved in the first year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as part of efforts to harness international cooperation in delivering the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In the realm of entertainment, popular Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola, known professionally as Portable, has been granted bail following a night in police custody. Meanwhile, the convicted billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, who are facing charges of murder and attempted kidnapping, have opted for a plea bargain.
On the environmental front, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has issued a warning to Kano State residents regarding the potential for high-risk flooding in 14 out of the state’s 44 Local Government Areas. Similarly, the Lagos State Government has reported 416 cases of various forms of child abuse over the past year.
In a solemn note, former Second Republic Senator from the old Ondo State, Michael Onunkun, has passed away at the age of 98, leaving a legacy of public service. Furthermore, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, has highlighted that Nigeria ranks among the least taxed nations globally, countering prevailing notions of it rapidly becoming an overtaxed country.
This diverse array of news serves to underscore the intricate and multifaceted nature of contemporary Nigeria, encompassing legal, security, environmental, political, and social issues that spotlight the ongoing challenges and successes of the nation.
