A civil society group, Action for Economic Development (AED), has expressed concerns regarding the recent arrest of 387 individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in Nigeria. The group emphasized the necessity of thoroughly investigating the arrested individuals in order to effectively combat criminal activities within the mining sector. The Armed Forces of Nigeria, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Gwabin Musa, have received commendation for their efforts in collaborating with other security agencies to tackle illegal mining.
During a session with the House Committee on Solid Mineral, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius, representing the Chief of Defence Staff, confirmed the arrest of the 387 individuals. In response to this development, AED expressed disappointment at the continuous exploitation of the country’s resources, especially in light of the hardships faced by Nigerians. The group urged for a thorough investigation into the arrested individuals in order to uncover the masterminds behind their illegal activities.
AED further referenced the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), which reported that the country has lost a staggering $46.16 billion (N16.25 trillion) to oil theft as of 2022. This distressing trend has now extended to the mining sector, with the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi, revealing that illegal mining activities are costing the country an estimated $9 billion annually. The group questioned the sustainability of allowing such criminal activities to persist, particularly highlighting the revelation by the Chief of Defence Staff that foreign nationals are complicit in these economic crimes.
Moreover, AED underscored the adverse impact of illegal mining on the immediate environment where these activities take place. The group voiced appreciation for the ongoing efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combatting crude oil theft, as well as their support for other security agencies in addressing the issue of illegal mining.
Given the gravity of the situation, it is imperative for the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the arrested individuals. By holding them accountable for their actions, and by identifying and prosecuting the masterminds behind these illegal activities, the Nigerian government can begin to address the systemic issues that have allowed such criminality to persist. Ultimately, this proactive approach is crucial to safeguarding the country’s resources and ensuring the sustainable development of the mining sector.
In conclusion, the recent arrest of 387 individuals involved in illegal mining activities in Nigeria underscores the pressing need for comprehensive and meticulous investigations. By addressing the root causes of illegal mining and holding those responsible accountable, Nigeria can take a significant step towards curbing criminality within the mining sector and protecting its valuable resources.