The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has expressed a steadfast commitment to continuing the crackdown on illegal miners and their accomplices. This commitment comes in the wake of the recent arraignment of eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian individual by the Federal Government for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in the Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
The apprehension of the suspects, comprised of eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, was conducted by the Mining Marshals, an elite security unit formed from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) that plays a pivotal role in eliminating illegal operators from the mining sector.
The brainchild of the Minister, the Mining Marshals, also known as ‘Operation Hayakin Kogo’, is an integral component of his 7-point agenda designed to purify the mining environment. A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, disclosed that the suspects have already been brought before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution has charged them with offences related to mining without lawful authority and obstruction of lawful mining operations.
The defendants, including SHEN YONGCHAN, MO BAIXIAN, XIAO BIN, HUANG XU FA, MA BINGLI, YANG JIAN, LI PEIYIN, QUE WENYONG, HIYK EDWARD DESMOND, and WANDA COMPANY LIMITED, have been remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the continuation of their trial.
The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, are a dedicated force of 2,570 personnel committed to eradicating the illicit activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country. The Minister is resolute in his determination to enhance the operations of the Mining Marshals by integrating advanced technology and additional equipment to ensure that the nation maximises the benefits derived from its abundant mineral resources.
As the government maintains its stance against illegal mining and unlawful exploitation of mineral resources, the efforts of authorities such as Dr Dele Alake and the Mining Marshals are crucial in safeguarding the nation’s natural wealth. By upholding the rule of law and imposing consequences on those who engage in illegal mining activities, Nigeria can nurture and sustain an environment that promotes responsible and ethical mining practices.