The efforts of the Federal Government in combating illegal mining have taken a significant step forward with the arraignment of a group of Chinese nationals in the Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. Accompanying them, a Nigerian individual was also brought to justice for their involvement in illegal mining activities.
The individuals in question, consisting of eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security unit formed from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with the specific mandate of eradicating illegal operators within the mining sector.
The Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, disclosed this development in a statement released on Friday. He further elucidated that the Mining Marshals, known as “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is a brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, as part of his 7-point agenda aimed at cleaning up the mining environment.
The trial of the suspects commenced recently before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution has filed a 3-count charge, focusing on mining without lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations, and other related charges.
The accused individuals are named as SHEN YONGCHAN, MO BAIXIAN, XIAO BIN, HUANG XU FA, MA BINGLI, YANG JIAN, LI PEIYIN, QUE WENYONG, HIYK EDWARD DESMOND, and WANDA COMPANY LIMITED.
Following the plea and arguments from both sides, the defendants have been remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial.
The Mining Marshals, under the leadership of ACC John Onoja, consist of a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the illegal activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country. It is evident that the Minister is dedicated to strengthening the operations of the Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and additional equipment to ensure that the nation fully benefits from its mineral resources.
This significant development highlights the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing illegal mining activities and sending a strong message to those involved in such illegal activities.
Looking ahead, it is imperative that all stakeholders, including the government, law enforcement agencies, mining companies, and local communities, collaborate to ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources are harnessed and utilized responsibly and sustainably. It is only through a collective effort that we can achieve the goal of a thriving and ethical mining sector.