The Nigerian government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal mining in northern states, with notable results from the Mining Marshals. Since March 2024, they have apprehended 327 illegal miners and successfully recovered 98 sites, reinstating them for legitimate use.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has highlighted the effectiveness of this special enforcement unit, announcing that 147 individuals are facing prosecution. A key operation in Kogi State saw over 3,000 illegal miners expelled from North-South Extractive Industries Limited’s site, which had been unlawfully mined since 2016.

In Kwara State, foreign illegal miners, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, received convictions, showcasing the government’s efforts against non-Nigerian miners. Abuja has also witnessed the reclamation of mining locations, including those managed by Ganan Mining Limited in Kuje.

Additional illegal sites in Niger, Zamfara, and Kaduna states have been targeted, combating the link between illegal mining and security issues such as banditry. Minister Alake underscored that the actions of the Mining Marshals have reduced illegal operations that harmed legitimate businesses.

The Marshals’ force has expanded from 2,200 to 2,679, with plans to incorporate advanced technologies like drones and robots for monitoring. Moreover, military support from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force has been critical in these enforcement initiatives.

The Nigerian government’s enhanced measures against illegal mining are yielding positive outcomes, with significant arrests and recovery of mining sites. The commitment to prosecuting offenders and employing advanced technologies indicates a robust approach to restoring order in the mining sector. Continuous support from security agencies reinforces the effort to safeguard legitimate operations and enhance the country’s mineral revenue.

Original Source: dailypost.ng

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