In a major operation to combat illegal mining, the Mining Marshals have successfully dismantled a heavily fortified illegal mining site in Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
In a statement Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development Segun Tomori said the site, which had long eluded law enforcement due to the protection of compromised security personnel, was raided in a strategic and coordinated effort that led to the arrest of three foreign nationals involved in the illicit activities. Several other suspects reportedly fled the scene, allegedly with assistance from corrupt operatives.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, praised the operation, describing it as a significant breakthrough in the government’s ongoing efforts to sanitize the mining sector.
“This is a crucial milestone in our tireless efforts to sanitize the mining sector. We are committed to cracking down on illegal mining operations and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” Alake stated.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC. John Attah Onoja, confirmed that the site has been sealed and a manhunt is underway for the fleeing suspects. He also noted that investigations are ongoing to uncover any involvement of security personnel in aiding the operations.
Onoja added that the company behind the illegal site and several individuals now on the run already face criminal charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The development comes on the heels of the one-year anniversary of the Mining Marshals, during which the Minister reiterated plans to boost their operational capabilities, including the deployment of satellite monitoring technology and advanced equipment.
