A daring operation by the Mining Marshals has dealt a significant blow to illegal mining in Nigeria, with the successful dismantling of a heavily fortified illegal mining site in Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Despite being protected by compromised security personnel, the Mining Marshals, led by Commander John Attah Onoja, carried out a strategic and well-coordinated raid that resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals involved in the illicit activities.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake in a statement signed by his SA Media, Mr Segun Tomori, hailed the operation as a “crucial milestone” in the government’s ongoing 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 stated.
The operation is a testament to the government’s resolve to tackle illegal mining, which has been a long-standing challenge in the country.
The Mining Marshals have been working tirelessly to identify and dismantle illegal mining sites, and this latest success is a major boost to their efforts.
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.
