In a significant illegal mining crackdown, Mining Marshals shut down a site in Nasarawa, arresting three foreign nationals and pursuing escaped suspects

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ining Marshals have successfully shut down an illegal mining site in the Rafin-Gabas community of Kokona Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, marking a significant victory in the government’s efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector.

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, confirmed the operation, stating that it resulted in the arrest of three foreign nationals.

According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, the site had operated clandestinely, evading law enforcement and allegedly receiving protection from compromised security personnel.

“However, following a strategic and well-coordinated operation, the Mining Marshals penetrated the stronghold, leading to the arrest of three foreign nationals,” Alake stated.

The operation, deemed a major step in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, saw several other suspects fleeing, reportedly with the assistance of security operatives.

The minister commended the Marshals for their breakthrough and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal mining and ensuring accountability.

John Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals, revealed that a manhunt is underway for the escaped suspects. He also confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute any security personnel involved in facilitating the illegal activities.

Onoja further disclosed that the company responsible for the illegal operations, along with some fugitives, faces pending criminal charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Freelanews reports that since the Marshals began operations in 2024, the Federal Government has arrested 327 suspects and prosecuted 143 for illegal mining.

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The Marshals, comprising personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have undergone specialised tactical training to combat illegal miners, bandits, and other criminal elements involved in the illicit sector.