*Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, restates commitment to strengthening the operations of Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and more equipment towards ensuring that Nigeria reaps maximum benefits from the country’s God-given mineral resources

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Federal Government says its efforts at combating illegal mining in Nigeria received a significant boost Thursday, July 11, 2024, with the arraignment of several Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, who disclosed this development, states that the suspects, including eight Chinese nationals and a Nigerian, were recently apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit crafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

绿帽献妻 reports the Mining Marshals have been tasked with the responsibility of ridding the mining sector of illegal operators in the country.

The Mining Marshals, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is the brainchild of Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development.

This initiative is a pivotal component of his 7-point agenda aimed at sanitising the mining environment.

The statement also indicated the trial of the nine suspects began Thursday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, FCT.

The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others.

The defendants include Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyin, Que Wenyong, Hiyk Edward Desmond, and Wanda Company Limited.

Upon hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, in the FCT, until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial.

The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.

Tomori further stated the Minister is committed to strengthening the operations of the Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and more equipment to ultimately, ensure that Nigeria reaps maximum benefits from its God-given mineral resources.