The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has launched a significant crackdown on illegal mining activities in Kogi and Ondo states, leading to the prosecution of several suspects as part of its commitment to reform the mining sector. This initiative underscores the government’s determination to uphold mining regulations and protect natural resources.

Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, announced these developments in a statement on Monday. During a recent operation dubbed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” the Mining Marshals apprehended two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian in the Ikah Community of Ankpa Local Government Area in Kogi State. These individuals were found engaging in mining activities without the required authorization, highlighting the ongoing enforcement of mining laws.

In another operation, the Mining Marshals raided an illegal gold mining site in Ogunlepa, located within the Oluwa Forest Reserve in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. Four suspects were arrested during this raid, all of whom admitted they did not possess the necessary licenses or authorizations to conduct their mining operations.

The suspects from both Kogi and Ondo states have been charged at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, emphasized the government’s commitment to sanitizing the mining sector and outlined his seven-point agenda for reforming the industry. A crucial aspect of this initiative is the deployment of 2,570 Mining Marshals, who are drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Alake reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate illegal mining through enhanced enforcement measures, including the use of technology and plans for satellite monitoring of mining sites. He urged those engaged in illegal activities to “turn a new leaf and comply with the relevant sections of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act to regularize their operations.”

Tomori added that these recent actions mark the beginning of a broader campaign against illegal mining throughout the country, reflecting the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral resources.