Esther Salifu
In a significant operation against illegal mining in Nigeria, the Mining Marshals have shut down a heavily guarded illicit mining site in Rafin-Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The site, which had managed to evade detection for a long time, was reportedly protected by corrupt security personnel.
According to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, the mining marshals, a security outfit established by the Ministry, dismantled the site and arrested three foreign nationals involved in the illegal activities. Several other suspects managed to flee, allegedly with the help of security operatives.
The Minister commended the operation, describing it as a major step towards curbing illegal mining and sanitizing the sector. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal mining and ensuring accountability.
It was disclosed that the company behind the illegal operations, along with some fugitives, have pending criminal charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Ongoing investigations aim to identify security personnel who facilitated the illegal activities.
The Mining Marshals, established in 2024, have been trained in tactical skills to combat illegal miners, bandits, and other criminal elements. Since their inception, they have arrested 327 suspects and prosecuted 143 for illegal mining.
