Nigerian Government Prosecutes Suspected Illegal Miners Arrested in Kogi and Ondo

The Federal Government has initiated legal proceedings against individuals suspected of illegal mining, following recent operations in Kogi and Ondo states aimed at cleaning up the mining sector.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, confirmed this in a statement on Monday.

In Kogi State, Mining Marshals conducted ‘Operation Hayakin Kogo’ in the Ikah community of Ankpa LGA, leading to the arrest of two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian for illegal mining activities.

In a parallel action in Ondo State, Mining Marshals raided an unauthorized gold mining site in the Ogunlepa area of the Oluwa Forest Reserve in Odigbo LGA, resulting in the arrest of four suspects. These individuals admitted during interrogation that they lacked the necessary licenses or authorization for their activities.

The arrested suspects from both states have been charged in the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The 2,570 Mining Marshals, part of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were established by Minister Dele Alake as part of his seven-point agenda to reform and sanitize the mining sector.

Minister Alake reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining, promising to enhance the Mining Marshals’ efforts with advanced technology and satellite monitoring of mining sites. He urged those still engaged in illegal mining to comply with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA) and regularize their operations, emphasizing that the government’s resolve to enforce the law is steadfast.