Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Mining Marshals drafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC have impounded 10 trucks and charged 10 suspects to court for illegal possession and movement of solid minerals, in a significant blow to illegal mining operations.
This crackdown is part of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake’s seven-point agenda to sanitize the mining sector.
The suspects were arrested along the Itobe-Ajokuta Road in Kogi State, in possession of Solid minerals without the required letter of identification, in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Mining Regulations, 2011.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, said investigations revealed that the suspects purchased the minerals from illegal miners in Kogi State, without evidence of legal mining titles, records, or payment of royalties.
Onoja said some companies were also found to have illegally engaged third-party agents to purchase minerals from Awulu community in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
“The suspects have been charged to court and are pending arraignment. The directors of the companies involved have been invited for questioning, and appropriate actions will be taken against them as prescribed by law.”
Onoja further vowed to continue the operation in full scale to achieve full compliance with extant laws and regulations guiding the mining sector in Nigeria.
He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to support the efforts of the Minister of Solid Minerals to sanitize the Nigerian mining sector.
