•The suspects
In a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining, the Mining Marshals have successfully dismantled a heavily fortified illegal mining site in Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The site, which had long evaded law enforcement, was reportedly protected by compromised security personnel, reports Daily Independent.
The Mining Marshals, led by Commander John Attah Onoja, conducted a strategic and well-coordinated operation that led to the arrest of three foreign nationals involved in the illegal mining activities. Several other suspects managed to flee, allegedly with the help of security operatives.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, in a statement signed by his SA Media, Mr Segun Tomori commended the operation, stating that it’s a crucial milestone in the government’s efforts to sanitize the mining sector.
“We are committed to cracking down on illegal mining operations and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” Alake said.
The site has been sealed off, and a manhunt is underway for the suspects who escaped. Investigations are also ongoing to identify any security personnel involved in facilitating the illegal activities.
The company behind the illegal operations, along with some of the suspects on the run, have pending criminal charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja.
This operation marks a significant step towards curbing illegal mining in Nigeria, and the government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating the practice.
Plans are underway to enhance the operational capacity of the Mining Marshals through satellite monitoring of mining sites and the provision of state-of-the-art equipment.
