Eric Patrick
Operatives of the Mining Marshals unit have closed an illegal mining site and apprehended three foreign nationals in Rafin-Gabas, a community located within the Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
This was contained in a statement by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, in Abuja on Thursday.
Alake described the development as a significant step in the ongoing initiative to clean up the mining sector and eliminate criminal activities that pose a threat to Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Alake noted that the site’s illegal operators had previously evaded arrest due to the alleged protection offered by corrupt security officials.
He also stated that several other suspects managed to flee with the help of some security personnel, adding that the government is determined to bring all perpetrators to justice.
He lauded the Mining Marshals for their bravery and professionalism, describing the operation as “a breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining.”
Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja, revealed that a manhunt was underway for the escaped suspects.
He also confirmed that investigations were ongoing to identify and prosecute any security personnel who may have aided the illegal operation.
Onoja further disclosed that the company behind the illegal mining activities and some of the fugitives already face pending criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He said, “Since the Mining Marshals began operations in 2024, the Federal Government has arrested 327 suspects and prosecuted 143 individuals for illegal mining across the country.
“The Marshals, drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were specially trained in tactical operations to combat illegal miners, bandits, and other threats to Nigeria’s mineral sector.
“Minister Alake reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, vowing to pursue justice and restore order to the solid minerals industry.
“We are committed to enforcing the law and ensuring that Nigeria’s mineral resources benefit the people, not criminals or their collaborators.”