BY AKUDORO GLORIA

In a significant step towards curbing illegal mining, the Mining Marshals have successfully dismantled a heavily fortified illegal mining site in Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The site, which had long evaded law enforcement, was reportedly protected by compromised security personnel.

However, following a strategic and well-coordinated operation, the Mining Marshals penetrated the stronghold, leading to the arrest of three foreign nationals involved in the nefarious activities. Several other suspects managed to flee, allegedly with the help of security operatives.

Reacting to this accomplishment, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake commended the operation, describing it a major breakthrough in the government’s ongoing fight against illegal mining.

He said: “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.”

ACC. John Attah Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals, confirmed that the site has 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.

In a statement signed by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, 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.

It will be recalled that on the March 21, 2025, during the one-year anniversary of the Mining Marshals, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining. He unveiled plans to augment the operational capabilities of the Mining Marshals through satellite monitoring of mining sites, the provision of state-of-the-art equipment, expansion of the mining marshals across the country, among other initiatives.

“I wish to thank Mr. President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for appropriating a budget commensurate with the huge responsibilities of the Ministry in the 2025 Appropriation Act. It will enable us among other things, to fully kit the Mining Marshal and the Mines Surveillance with the logistics requirements for rapid response combat readiness and scale up it coverage.

“In the first year, the Mining Marshals held direct engagements across 10 states – Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory. This year, the operations of the Mining Marshals shall be strengthened all over the country to strengthen the sector and protect the nation’s solid minerals,” he vowed.