In a significant blow to illegal mining operations, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who were deployed as Mining Marshals have impounded 10 trucks in Kogi state and their conveyors were charged to court for illegal possession and movement of minerals.
This latest crackdown is part of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake’s 7-point agenda to sanitize the mining sector.
It was gathered that Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps arrested 10 suspects along the Itobe-Ajaokuta road in Kogi State.
The suspects were found to be in possession of minerals without the requisite letter of identification, in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Mining Regulations, 2011.
Investigations revealed that the suspects reportedly purchased the minerals from illegal miners in Kogi State, without evidence of legal mining titles, records, or payment of royalties. Some companies were also found to have illegally engaged third-party agents to purchase minerals from a community in Ankpa LGA of Kogi State.
A source revealed that the suspects have been charged to court while the directors of the companies involved have been invited for questioning.
The commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, told journalists that the paramilitary unit would continue its operation in full-scale to achieve full compliance with extant laws and regulations guiding the mining sector in Nigeria.
He emphasised the need for all stakeholders to support the efforts of government towards sanitising the mining sector.
