Mohammed Shosanya
The Federal Government has seized 10 trucks and pressed charges against suspects for the illegal possession and transportation of minerals.
Mining Marshals, deployed from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, apprehended 10 suspects along the Itobe-Ajokuta Road in Kogi State.
The suspects were found with minerals lacking the necessary documentation, contravening the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Mining Regulations, 2011.
Investigations uncovered that these individuals had procured minerals from illegal miners in Kogi State without proper authorization, mining titles, or payment of royalties.
Besides,certain companies were discovered to have illicitly engaged third-party agents to procure minerals from the “Awulu” community in Ankpa LGA, Kogi State.
The apprehended suspects are currently facing legal charges and await arraignment.
The directors of implicated companies have been summoned for interrogation, with appropriate legal actions to follow.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, has pledged to intensify operations to ensure full compliance with mining laws and regulations. He stressed the importance of collective support from stakeholders to reinforce the Minister of Solid Minerals’ efforts in sanitizing the Nigerian mining sector.
This development signifies a significant stride toward restoring order in the nation’s mining industry, promoting adherence to legal frameworks, and safeguarding the responsible exploitation of mineral resources.
