The Federal Government of Nigeria’s crackdown on illegal mining has achieved a significant milestone with the arraignment of several Chinese nationals involved in illicit mining activities in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
Eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security unit under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Mining Marshals are tasked with eradicating illegal operators from the mining sector.
This development was announced by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, in a statement on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Tomori detailed that the Mining Marshals, operating under the codename “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” were established by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, as part of his 7-point agenda to sanitize the mining environment.
“The trial of the suspects began yesterday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, including mining without lawful authority and obstruction of lawful mining operations, among others. The defendants include SHEN YONGCHAN, MO BAIXIAN, XIAO BIN, HUANG XU FA, MA BINGLI, YANG JIAN, LI PEIYIN, QUE WENYONG, HIYK EDWARD DESMOND, and WANDA COMPANY LIMITED,” Tomori stated.
Following the initial hearings, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the next trial date. The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, consist of a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the illegal activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.
Tomori emphasized the Minister’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and additional equipment, ensuring that Nigeria maximizes the benefits from its mineral resources.
