Security operatives have arrested seven suspects for alleged involvement in illegal gold mining in a community within Yagba East Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.
A statement released on Friday by Segun Tomori, the media aide to the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, detailed that the operation leading to the arrests was executed by mining marshals in Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA.
According to Tomori, the operation targeted illegal miners whose activities have obstructed lawfully authorized miners with licenses covering four cadastral units from accessing the site for the past 16 years.
Findings indicate that these unauthorized activities have persisted for over 20 years.
“The well-coordinated operation, led by Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, resulted in the arrest of seven suspects heading different groups of illegal miners in the area,” the statement read.
Following the successful operation, site workers were given a five-day ultimatum to vacate the premises. This move is part of continued efforts to secure the area and ensure it is fully recovered for lawful mining activities.
This operation follows a similar one carried out by the marshals in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, which led to the arrest of eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian suspected of illegal mining.
The trial of these suspects commenced last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja division. They have been remanded in Kuje prisons until the next adjourned date.
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