In a decisive move to curb illegal mining activities, seven individuals have been apprehended at an illegal gold mining site in the Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State. This action was taken by mining marshals deployed by the federal government.
The operation took place in Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA, where illegal miners had hindered licensed miners from accessing the site for 16 years. The ministry revealed that illegal mining activities in the area had persisted for over 20 years.
Led by ACC Attah John Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals, the operation resulted in the arrest of seven suspects who headed different groups of illegal miners in the area. A statement by Segun Tomori, special assistant to the minister of solid minerals, confirmed the arrests.
“Following the successful operation, site workers were given five days to completely vacate the site as operations to effectively secure the area and ensure it is fully recovered for lawful mining activities will continue in earnest,” the statement read.
This crackdown follows a recent similar operation in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, where eight Chinese nationals and a Nigerian were arrested by the mining marshals. The suspects' trial commenced last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja division, and they were remanded in Kuje prisons until the adjourned date.
LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that eradicating illegal mining is a key point in the minister's seven-point agenda to sanitize the industry and make it a significant income earner for Nigeria.
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