The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step in its fight against the illegal mining activities that have plagued the nation by arraigning a Nigerian and eight Chinese nationals. The accused individuals were allegedly involved in illegal mining in the Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi local government area of Abia State.
The government’s actions are part of a broader effort to crack down on natural resource theft and to clean up the minerals sector. This comes as the country seeks to attract genuine investors and safeguard its mining environment.
The suspects were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, a specialized security outfit within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) that is tasked with eliminating illegal mining operations and making the sector safe for legitimate investors. The Marshals, also known as ‘Operation Hayakin Kogo’, were initiated by the minister of solid minerals development, Dr. Dele Alake, and have been instrumental in apprehending over 300 illegal miners since their establishment in March 2024, with about 133 facing prosecution.
The recent trial of the Nigerian and Chinese suspects commenced before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The prosecution has brought forward a three-count charge, focusing on offences such as mining without lawful authority and obstructing lawful mining operations.
The accused individuals, 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, are being held in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre as the trial continues.
The dedicated efforts of the Mining Marshals, led by ACC Attah John Onoja, have seen the deployment of a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eradicating the activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.
In a statement by the special assistant to the minister, Segin Tomori, it was emphasized that Dr. Alake remains dedicated to empowering the operations of the Mining Marshals through the integration of technology and the provision of additional equipment. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the nation maximizes the benefits derived from its abundant mineral resources.
At a recent two-day stakeholders conference themed “Enhancing Inclusiveness – An Imperative for Promoting Transparency, Accountability, and Development in Nigeria’s Extractive Industry”, His Royal Highness, Oba Omololu Afilaka, the Alatorin of Atorin, Ijesha, spoke about the havoc caused by illegal and artisanal miners, many of whom are foreigners, in his community. He urged the government to create a comprehensive registry of all operators in the Nigerian mining industry to closely monitor their activities and to differentiate law-abiding individuals from criminals.
The concern was raised that some of the illegal foreign miners may also be involved in terrorist activities or supporting terrorism within the country. These insights shed light on the potential dangers associated with illegal mining operations, underscoring the importance of the government’s current crackdown on the issue.