The Nigerian Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining operations with a recent clearance exercise carried out by Mining Marshals in Jaguna, off Iye/Odogbe communities in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori made this known in a statement.
He said that on 15th July 2024, Jaguna, an area surrounded by forest, was raided by the Mining Marshals, resulting in the arrest of seven suspected illegal gold miners while labourers on-site were given a directive to vacate the area within five days.
Mr. Tomri further said rather than comply with the directive, the illegal miners mobilized additional workers and fortified the site with armed protection which led to the latest operation by the Mining Marshals to dislodge them.
The Special Assistant noted that the follow-up action was necessary after the illegal miners also ignored appeals from community traditional rulers to vacate the site to allow the licensed mineral titleholders unhindered access to the area for legitimate operations.
He emphasized that for over 16 years, the rightful mining license holders have been unable to access the location due to the activities of armed illegal miners.
Mr. Tomori said citing intelligence reports suggesting that the illegal operators had remained defiant, the Mining Marshals last week, stormed the site, neutralized resistance from the armed gangs, and successfully cleared the area.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Onoja, reiterated the commitment of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, to eradicating illegal mining in the country, issuing a warning to all involved in these illegal activities, regardless of their status, to desist or face the full wrath of the law.
The Mining Marshals, operating under the direction of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, are tasked with securing the mining environment to boost investor confidence in the sector.
