Seven illegal gold miners arrested in Kogi

Seven illegal gold miners arrested in Kogi

Seven illegal gold miners have been arrested by the newly established Mining Marshals in Yagba East LGA, Kogi State.

The arrest was part of a nationwide crackdown by the federal government on illegal mining activities.

Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, issued a statement detailing the operation conducted by the mining marshals in Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA.

The operation targeted illegal miners whose activities had, for 16 years, prevented lawfully authorized miners with licenses covering four cadastral units from accessing the site.

The statement highlighted that these illegal activities had been ongoing for over 20 years without intervention.

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The statement reads: “The well-coordinated operation, led by Commander, Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, resulted in the arrest of seven (7) suspects heading different groups of illegal miners in the area.

“Following the successful operation, site workers were given 5 days to completely vacate the site as operations to effectively secure the area and ensure it is fully recovered for lawful mining activities will continue in earnest.”

A similar operation carried out recently by the mining marshals in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, led to the arrest of eight (8) Chinese nationals and a Nigerian, suspected to be involved in illegal mining.

The statement further reiterated the resolve of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake in fighting the menace of illegal mining headlong and bringing culprits to book.

Seven illegal gold miners arrested in Kogi