FG charges two Chinese citizens with illegal mining

The minister reiterated the federal government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining in Nigeria

Abuja – The Federal Government has initiated legal action against two Chinese and one Nigerian, all of whom were arrested for alleged illegal mining activities in Kogi and Ondo states.

According to a statement by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the arrests were made by the mining commissioners in an operation codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo”.

The operation took place in Ikah community in Ankpa Local Government Area of ​​Kogi State and resulted in the arrest of two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian national for carrying out mining operations in violation of existing regulations.

The statement further said that in a separate operation, the Mining Marshals raided an illegal gold mine in Ogunlepa, Oluwa Forest Reserve in Odigbo Local Government Area of ​​Ondo State. During the raid, four suspects were arrested. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to mining without required licenses or permits.

The suspects, who hail from Kogi and Ondo states, were arraigned and charged in the Federal High Court.

The Mining Marshals, a 2,570-strong unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were established as part of Dr. Dele Alake’s seven-point agenda to rehabilitate and reform the Nigerian mining sector.

The Minister reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to eradicating illegal mining, pointing to plans to improve the capabilities of mining officers through the integration of new technologies and the upcoming satellite monitoring of mining sites.

The minister also issued a stern warning to those still involved in illegal mining activities, urging them to abide by the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA) and regulate their activities as the government remains committed to enforcing the law.