Mining Marshals Dismantle Fortified Illegal Mining Site In Nassarawa State 

In a significant blow to illegal mining operations, the Mining Marshals have successfully dismantled a heavily fortified illegal mining site in Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, North-Central, Nigeria.

This site had long evaded law enforcement, reportedly protected by compromised security personnel .

According to the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori the Mining Marshals executed a strategic and well-coordinated operation, penetrating the stronghold and arresting three foreign nationals involved in the illicit activities.

He noted that several other suspects managed to flee, allegedly with the assistance of security operatives.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, commended the operation, hailing it as a major breakthrough in the government’s ongoing fight against illegal mining.

“This is a crucial milestone in our tireless efforts to sanitize the mining sector. We are committed to cracking down on illegal mining and promoting a safe and regulated mining environment,” Dr. Alake stated.

This achievement underscores the government’s commitment to combating illegal mining, following the inauguration of the Mining Marshals, an elite paramilitary force dedicated to securing mining sites and enforcing mining laws.

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC, Attah Onoja confirmed that the site has been sealed off following the raid. “A manhunt is currently underway for the suspects who escaped, and investigations are ongoing to identify any security personnel involved in facilitating these illegal activities,” he said.

ACC Onoja further disclosed that the company behind the illegal operations, along with some of the suspects on the run, have pending criminal charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Olusola Akintonde