In a bold move to tackle illegal mining activities, the Federal Government has seized 10 trucks and charged suspects for illegal possession and transportation of minerals. This crackdown is part of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals’ 7-point agenda to revitalize and sanitize the mining sector.
Reports indicate that Mining Marshals from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps apprehended 10 suspects along the Itobe-Ajokuta Road in Kogi State, found with minerals lacking necessary documentation, contravening the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Mining Regulations, 2011.
Investigations revealed that these individuals procured minerals from illegal miners without proper authorization, mining titles, or payment of royalties.
The suspects are facing legal charges, while directors of implicated companies have been summoned for interrogation, with appropriate legal actions to follow.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, has pledged to intensify operations to ensure full compliance with mining laws and regulations, stressing the importance of collective support from stakeholders to reinforce the Minister’s efforts in sanitizing the Nigerian mining sector.
This development marks a significant step toward restoring order in the nation’s mining industry, promoting adherence to legal frameworks, and safeguarding responsible exploitation of mineral resources.
