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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The federal government’s nationwide crackdown on illegal mining has gained momentum with the recent arrest of several suspects allegedly involved in the unlawful mining of gold in Yagba East Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja by Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, it was disclosed that the operation was carried out by the mining marshals in Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA.
The operation targeted illegal miners whose activities have, for over 20 years, hindered lawfully authorized miners with licenses covering four cadastral units from accessing the site.
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Led by Commander Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, the well-coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of seven suspects leading different groups of illegal miners in the area. Following the successful operation, site workers were given five days to vacate the site to ensure it is fully recovered for lawful mining activities.
This crackdown follows a similar operation in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, where the mining marshals arrested eight Chinese nationals and a Nigerian involved in illegal mining. The trial of these suspects commenced last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, and they have been remanded in Kuje prisons until the next court date.
Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to combating illegal mining and ensuring that culprits are brought to justice.
The ministry is dedicated to securing mining sites and enabling authorized, lawful mining activities to thrive.
