Seven suspected illegal miners have been arrested during a clearance exercise in Jaguna, off Iye/Odogbe communities in Yagba East Local Government Area, Kogi State by the mining Marshals.

A statement by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja on Saturday, said the arrest followed the refusal of the suspects to vacate the mining site after being warned by the Marshals.

It reads: “on 15th July 2024, the mine site in Jaguna was raided by the Mining Marshals, resulting in the arrest of some labourers on-site and were directed to vacate the area within five days.

“Rather than comply with the directive, the illegal miners mobilized additional workers and fortified the site with armed protection. This led to the latest operation by the Mining Marshals to dislodge them.

“The follow-up action was necessary after the illegal miners also ignored appeals from community traditional rulers to vacate the site. This was to allow the licensed mineral titleholders unhindered access to the area for legitimate operations.

“For over 16 years, the rightful mining license holders have been unable to access the location due to the activities of armed illegal miners.

“Acting on intelligence reports suggesting that the illegal operators had remained defiant, the Mining Marshals, last week, stormed the site, neutralized the resistance from the armed guards, and successfully cleared the area.”

Reacting to the development, Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Attah Onoja, reiterated the commitment of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, to eradicating illegal mining in the country.

He issued a stern warning to all involved in these illegal activities, regardless of their status, to desist or face the full consequences of the law.

The Mining Marshals, operating under the direction of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, are tasked with securing the mining environment to boost investor confidence in the sector. (The Nation)

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