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 could be recalled that the Mining Marshals were drafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to help guard mining sites in irder to restore sanity to the sector.
The recent arrest along the Itobe-Ajokuta road in the state was one of the achievements of the ministry through the Mining Marshals. The suspects were found to be in possession of minerals without the required letter of identification in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Mining Regulations, 2011.
Investigations further revealed that the suspects purchased the minerals from illegal miners 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 Awulu community in Ankpa LGA of the state.
The suspects have been charged to court pending arraignment. Also, the directors of the companies involved have been invited for questioning and appropriate actions are to be taken against them as prescribed by law.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, vowed to continue the operation in full scale in order 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.
