Security operatives have arrested seven suspects on allegations of involvement in the illegal mining of gold in a community in Yagba East Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.
In a statement by the media aide to the Minister of Mines and Solid Mineral, Segun Tomori, on Friday, the ministry said the operation leading to the arrest of the suspects was carried out by mining marshals in Iye-Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA.
He said the operation, “involved dislodging illegal miners whose activities have prevented lawfully authorized miners with licenses covering four cadastral units from accessing the site for 16 years. Reports indicate that the nefarious activities have gone unhindered for over 20 years.
“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.”
He said following the successful operation, site workers were given five days to vacate the site as operations to effectively secure the area and ensure it is fully recovered for lawful mining activities will continue in earnest.”
The operation followed a similar one by the marshals in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, leading to the arrest of eight Chinese nationals and a Nigerian, suspected to be involved in illegal mining.
The trial of the suspects commenced last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja division, and they were remanded in Kuje prisons until the adjourned date.
