Security agents arrest seven suspected illegal miners in Kogi

Security officials have arrested seven suspects for alleged involvement in illegal gold mining in a community in Yagba East Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.

In a statement released on Friday by Segun Tomori, the Media Adviser to the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, it was detailed that the operation that led to the arrests was carried out by miners in Iyeh Odogbe, in Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA.

According to Tomori, the operation was aimed at illegal miners, who have blocked access to the site for miners with a permit for four cadastral units for the past 16 years.

DAILY POST’s findings reveal that these illicit activities have been going on for more than 20 years.

“The well-coordinated operation, led by the Miners’ Commander, ACC Attah John Onoja, resulted in the arrest of seven suspects who were leading different groups of illegal miners in the area,” the statement said.

Following the successful operation, workers at the site were given a five-day ultimatum to vacate the site. This move is part of ongoing efforts to secure the area and ensure it is fully restored for legal mining activities.

This operation follows a similar operation carried out by the marshals in Umunneochi Local Government Area of ​​Abia State, where eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining.

The trial of these suspects began last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. They have been remanded in Kuje Prisons until the next adjourned date.