In a bid to tackle illegal mining and revenue loss in the mining sector, the Nigerian Government has taken action by apprehending three suspects and shutting down an illegal mining site in the Federal Capital Territory.
The operation, conducted by the Mining Marshals under the leadership of Assistant Commandant John Attah, was the result of thorough intelligence gathering and surveillance. According to ACC Attah, the suspects lacked the necessary documentation to authorize their mining activities at the site. Additionally, a legitimate mining company with the proper permits for the location was unable to access the site due to the activities of the illegal miners.
The suspects, who admitted to the offense of illegal mining, confessed to operating on the site for over a year. At the time of their arrest, over 2,000 tons of lithium were discovered on the ground, underscoring the scale of the illegal operation. The confiscated minerals and equipment on site have been catalogued as exhibits for prosecution, and further investigations are underway to expose the full extent of the illicit activities.
The crackdown on illegal mining is part of a broader effort to combat revenue loss in Nigeria’s mining sector. This success was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and the Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR.
The Mining Marshals, a specialized unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been dedicated to identifying and dismantling illegal mining operations across the country. Their operation, codenamed “OPERATION HAYAKIN KOGO,” targets illegal mining activities and aims to create a safer and more prosperous industry.
This initiative sends a strong message to illegal miners and investors that the Nigerian Government will no longer tolerate illicit practices. The government remains committed to creating an environment that fosters legal and sustainable mining, ultimately promoting economic growth and national development.