FG impounds 10 trucks from illegal mining, charges suspect to court

The Federal Government has reportedly impounded at least 10 trucks and charged suspects to court for illegal possession and movement of minerals, as the crackdown is one of the Minister of Solid Minerals’ 7-point agenda to sanitise the mining industry.

A statement by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, while quoting a report, said the Mining Marshals drafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps caught 10 suspects along the Itobe-Ajokuta Road in Kogi State.

The report further revealed that the suspects were found to be in possession of minerals without the required letter of identification, in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and Mining Regulations 2011.

“Investigations revealed that the suspects purchased the minerals from illegal miners in Kogi State without evidence of legal mining titles, records, or payment of royalties.

“Some companies were also found to have illegally engaged third-party agents to purchase minerals from the “Awulu” community in Ankpa LGA, Kogi State.

“The suspects have been charged in court and are pending arraignment. The directors of the companies involved have been invited for questioning, and appropriate actions will be taken against them as prescribed by law.

“The Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, has vowed to continue the operation on a full scale to achieve full compliance with the existing laws and regulations guiding the mining sector in Nigeria.

“He emphasised the need for all stakeholders to support the efforts of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals to sanitise the Nigerian mining sector.

“This development marks a significant step towards restoring sanity in the nation’s mining sector and ensuring that mineral resources are exploited in accordance with the law.”