Federal Government Takes Action Against Eight Chinese And One Nigerian Over Illegal Mining Operations In Abia

Federal Government Takes Action Against Eight Chinese And One Nigerian Over Illegal Mining Operations In Abia

The Federal Government’s efforts to tackle illegal mining received a significant boost with the arraignment of several Chinese nationals involved in illegal activities in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State…….. CONTINUE READING

According to Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security unit formed from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Their mission is to eliminate illegal operators from the mining sector.

The Mining Marshals, operating under “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” were initiated by Minister Dr. Dele Alake as part of his 7-point agenda to clean up the mining environment.

The trial commenced yesterday before Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the prosecution filing a 3-count charge against the defendants for mining without lawful authority and obstructing legal mining operations, among other offenses.

The defendants include Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyin, Que Wengyong, Hiyk Edward Desmond, and Wanda Company Limited.

Following the pleas and arguments presented, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the next court date for the continuation of the trial.

The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, consist of 2,570 personnel dedicated to eradicating the activities of criminal syndicates in mining regions across the nation. The Minister is committed to enhancing the operations of the Mining Marshals by integrating technology and providing more equipment to maximize the benefits from Nigeria’s mineral resources.