The Mining Marshals have successfully dismantled a fortified illegal mining site in Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, in Abuja.
According to the statement, despite being protected by compromised security personnel, the Mining Marshals, led by Commander John Attah Onoja, conducted a strategic and well-coordinated raid that led to the arrest of three foreign nationals.
The statement further noted that the Mining Marshals have been working tirelessly to identify and dismantle illegal mining sites, and this latest operation marks a significant achievement in their ongoing efforts.
The site has been sealed off, and a manhunt is underway for the suspects who managed to escape. Investigations are also ongoing to identify security personnel who may have facilitated the illegal activities.
“The company behind the illegal operations, along with some of the suspects on the run, have pending criminal charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja,” the statement added.
This operation represents a major step in the fight against illegal mining in Nigeria. The government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating the practice and ensuring accountability for those involved.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the operation as a crucial milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to sanitize the mining sector.
“We are committed to cracking down on illegal mining operations and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” he stated.
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He further emphasized that the operation demonstrates the government’s resolve to tackle illegal mining, a persistent challenge in the country.
Additionally, the statement revealed that plans are underway to enhance the operational capacity of the Mining Marshals through satellite monitoring of mining sites and the provision of state-of-the-art equipment.
