In a significant blow to illegal mining operations, the Federal Government has impounded 10 trucks and charged suspects to court for illegal possession and movement of minerals. This crackdown is part of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals’ 7-point agenda to sanitize the mining sector.
According to reports, the Mining Marshals drafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, arrested 10 suspects along the Itobe-Ajokuta Road in Kogi State. 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. 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 suspects have been charged to court and are pending arraignment. The Directors of the companies involved have been invited for questioning, and appropriate actions will be taken against them as prescribed by law.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja 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 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.