Seven people have been arrested by security forces for allegedly illegally mining gold in a hamlet in Kogi State’s Yagba East Local Government Area (LGA).
According to Segun Tomori, the media advisor to the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals Dele Alake, mining marshals conducted the operation that resulted in the suspects’ arrests at Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA.
He stated that the operation “entails dislodging illegal miners whose activities have prevented lawfully authorised miners with licences covering four cadastral units from accessing the site for 16 years.” According to reports, the criminal actions have continued unabated for almost two decades.
“The well-coordinated operation, led by Commander, Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, resulted in the arrest of seven (7) suspects heading different groups of illegal miners in the area.”
He stated that following the successful operation, site workers were given five days to depart the site, as operations to effectively protect the region and ensure it is fully recovered for authorised mining activities would resume.
The operation followed a similar one conducted by marshals in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, which resulted in the arrest of eight Chinese nationals and a Nigerian suspected of illicit mining.
The accused’ trial began last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja division, and they were held in Kuje prisons till the adjournment date.