The Federal Government’s attempts to combat illicit mining have got a huge boost with the arrest of many Chinese nationals for unlawful mining activities in the Lokpaukwu hamlet, Umuchieze, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
The accused, who included eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, were recently detained by the Mining Marshals, an elite security unit formed from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Marshals are charged with cleansing the mining industry of unlawful operators.
Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made the announcement in a statement on Friday.
He said that the Mining Marshals, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is the brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, adding that the initiative is a pivotal component of Alake’s 7-point agenda aimed at sanitizing the mining environment.
“The trial of the suspects began yesterday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others.
“The defendants include SHEN YONGCHAN, MO BAIXIAN, XIAO BIN, HUANG XU FA, MA BINGLI, YANG JIAN, LI PEIYIN, QUE WENYONG, HIYK EDWARD DESMOND, and WANDA COMPANY LIMITED.
“Upon hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial.
“The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.
“The Minister is committed to strengthening the operations of the Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and more equipment to ultimately ensure that the nation reaps maximum benefits from its God-given mineral resources,” the statement read.