Mining Marshals Dismantle Illegal Site in Nasarawa

•Three foreign nationals arrested

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

In a significant step towards curbing illegal mining, marshals deployed to ensure full compliance with the law, have successfully dismantled a heavily fortified illegal site in Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The site, which had long evaded law enforcement attention, was reportedly protected by compromised security personnel, Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said in a statement yesterday.

However, following a strategic and well-coordinated operation, the mining marshals, Tomori said, penetrated the stronghold, leading to the arrest of three foreign nationals involved in the nefarious activities in the area.

Several other suspects managed to flee, allegedly with the help of security operatives, the statement added.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development,  Alake,  commended the operation, calling it a major breakthrough in the government’s ongoing fight against illegal mining.

“This is a crucial milestone in our tireless efforts to sanitise the mining sector. We are committed to cracking down on illegal mining operations and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” Alake was quoted as stating.

Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja, confirmed that the site had been sealed off following the raid. “A manhunt is currently underway for the suspects who escaped, and investigations are ongoing to identify any security personnel involved in facilitating these illegal activities,” he added.

Onoja further disclosed that the company behind the illegal operations, along with some of the suspects on the run, have pending criminal charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja.

He stated that during the one-year anniversary of the mining marshals recently, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining, and announced plans to enhance the operational capacity of the marshals through satellite monitoring of mining sites, as well as the provision of state-of-the-art equipment.