Riding on the federal governments efforts to tackle illegal mining across Nigeria, the recently inaugurated corps of mining marshals have dealt a heavy blow on illegal miners.
The federal government in March 2024, inaugurated the first batch of mining Marshals corps to combat illegal mining.
A statement by the ministry of solid minerals revealed that the Mining Marshals drafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, arrested 10 suspects along the Itobe-Ajokuta Road in Kogi State.
The statement informed that the suspects were found to be in possession of minerals without the required letter of identification, in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Mining Regulations, 2011.
“Investigations revealed that the suspects purchased the minerals from illegal miners in Kogi State, without evidence of legal mining titles, records, or payment of royalties” the statement added.
“Some companies were also found to have illegally engaged third-party agents to purchase minerals from the “Awulu” community in Ankpa LGA, Kogi State”.
The statement further informed that the suspects have been charged to court and are pending arraignment while the Directors of the companies involved have been invited for questioning, and appropriate actions will be taken against them as prescribed by law.
This development marks a significant step towards restoring sanity in the nation’s mining sector and ensuring that mineral resources are exploited in accordance with the law, the statement informed.
Attah John Onoja, commander of the Mining Marshals, has vowed to continue the operation in full scale to achieve full compliance with extant laws and regulations guiding the mining sector in Nigeria.
He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to support the efforts of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals to sanitize the Nigerian Mining Sector
This crackdown is part of the Minister of Solid Minerals’ 7-point agenda to sanitise the mining sector.
