The Kogi State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources has intensified its campaign against unlawful extraction, raiding an unauthorized gold mining site in Irutuba Village, Okene Local Government Area, and taking two suspects into custody.
The enforcement operation, led by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, resulted in the arrest of Abdulrahaman Nuhuramat and Yusuf Ramat. Both individuals were apprehended directly at the site on community land and subsequently transferred to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for investigation and prosecution.
Speaking at the scene, Gegu stated that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal mining, characterizing the practice as economic sabotage that damages the local environment and destabilizes host communities.
He issued a warning to unauthorized operators throughout the state, emphasizing that Kogi’s natural resources must be developed through legitimate channels for the state’s economic benefit rather than exploited unlawfully.
“Let this be a warning to all illegal miners across Kogi State. This government will find you wherever you are. Our mineral resources must be harnessed legally for the prosperity of our people, not looted by criminal elements,” the Commissioner said.
The Village Head of Irutuba, Mallam Adams Shuaibu, welcomed the government’s intervention, noting that unauthorized mining and land grabbing by non-residents have caused significant disturbance to the community.
Shuaibu appealed to the state government for an increased security presence to prevent ongoing trespass and protect local farmlands from environmental degradation.
In response, Gegu assured community leaders that their security concerns would be presented to the governor and pledged continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies to protect landholder rights.
He called on other traditional rulers across Kogi State to proactively report illegal mining activities within their jurisdictions.
