The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has launched a significant crackdown on illegal mining activities in Kogi and Ondo states, resulting in the prosecution of several suspects as part of its ongoing sector reform efforts.
Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, announced the development in a statement on Monday.
In a recent operation dubbed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” conducted by the Mining Marshals in the Ikah Community of Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State, two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian were apprehended for engaging in mining activities without the necessary authorization. This operation is part of a broader initiative aimed at enforcing existing mining regulations and curbing illegal mining practices.
According to the statement, “In a related development, the Mining Marshals also raided an illegal gold mining site in the Ogunlepa, Oluwa Forest Reserve, Odigbo LGA of Ondo State, where four suspects were arrested.
“These individuals, caught in the act of illegally mining gold in a Government Reserved Area, confessed during interrogation that they lacked the necessary licenses or authorization to carry out their operations.
“The suspects from both Kogi and Ondo states have since been charged to the Federal High Court, Abuja.”
