The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has officially declared the apprehension of seven individuals engaged in illicit mining operations at a gold site in the Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State. The accused are presently undergoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja and have been remanded in Kuje prison pending further legal proceedings.
Per Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the unlawful mining activity persisted for an astonishing 16 years. Licensed miners were allegedly barred from accessing the site by the illegal miners during this period, prompting mining marshals to take decisive action.
The government has been ramping up its efforts to crackdown on illicit mining activities, particularly targeting gold mining operations in Kogi State. The recent operation in Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East Local Government Area, headed by Commander Attah Onoja, led to the arrest of seven suspects overseeing various illegal mining groups in the area.
Following the successful operation, employees at the site were directed to vacate within five days to facilitate lawful mining activities and secure the area from further illicit operations. This follows a similar operation in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, where eight Chinese nationals and a Nigerian were apprehended for suspected involvement in unlawful mining.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, under the leadership of Dele Alake, has reiterated its steadfast commitment to combatting illicit mining and ensuring that those involved are held accountable for their actions. Tomori affirmed, “The trial of the suspects commenced last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja division, and they were remanded in Kuje prison until the adjourned date.”
It is apparent that the Nigerian government is taking a resolute stance against unlawful mining activities, underscoring its determination to address the issue head-on and bring wrongdoers to justice. This is a fundamental step towards safeguarding the country’s mining resources and fostering a secure and regulated environment for lawful mining operations to thrive.
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