by Nurat Uthman
The Federal Government has ramped up its efforts to combat illegal mining operations with the arrest of seven suspected illegal miners in Jaguna, near the Iye/Odogbe communities in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The arrests were made during a recent clearance exercise conducted by the Mining Marshals on July 15, 2024.
The Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
The statement reads, “On 15th July 2024, Jaguna was raided by the Mining Marshals, resulting in the arrest. Labourers on-site were given a directive to vacate the area within five days.
“Rather than comply with the directive, the illegal miners mobilised additional workers and fortified the site with armed protection. This led to the latest operation by the Mining Marshals to dislodge them.
“The follow-up action was necessary after the illegal miners also ignored appeals from community traditional rulers to vacate the site. This was to allow the licensed mineral titleholders unhindered access to the area for legitimate operations.
“For over 16 years, the rightful license holders had been unable to access the site due to the activities of armed illegal miners. Acting on intelligence reports that the illegal operators remained defiant, the Mining Marshals moved in last week, neutralised resistance from armed guards, and successfully cleared the area.”
Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Attah Onoja, emphasised the unwavering commitment of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, to eradicating illegal mining activities in Nigeria.
“He issued a stern warning to anyone involved in these illegal activities, regardless of their status, to desist or face the full consequences of the law,” Onoja stated.
The Mining Marshals, operating under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, are dedicated to securing the mining environment and boosting investor confidence in the sector.
