FG Intensifies Anti-Illegal Mining War as 327 Suspects Arrested Nationwide

By Wellington Jopelo

The Federal Government has stepped up its crackdown on illegal mining activities across the country, with authorities confirming that 327 suspects have been arrested in ongoing nationwide operations.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed that the arrests were part of coordinated enforcement actions carried out by the Mining Marshals in different parts of Nigeria.

He said the exercise is aimed at restoring order in the mining sector, protecting legitimate operators, and blocking revenue losses linked to illegal extraction activities.

According to him, the suspects include both local and foreign miners who have been active in unauthorised mining sites across several states.

The government also confirmed that many illegal mining sites have been shut down, while operations in affected areas have been taken over by security agencies.

Officials say the crackdown is part of broader reforms to reposition the solid minerals sector as a major revenue source for the country beyond oil.

Authorities added that several of the arrested suspects are currently facing prosecution in different courts, while investigations are still ongoing in other cases.

The minister explained that the enforcement drive is being supported by security agencies to ensure compliance and reduce criminal activities linked to illegal mining operations.

He also stressed that the government is determined to make illegal mining unattractive by strengthening monitoring systems and improving surveillance of mining locations.

With the latest arrests, officials say efforts to sanitise the sector are beginning to show results, especially in areas previously dominated by illegal operators.

As the crackdown continues, attention is now on how quickly the government can convert the reforms into increased revenue and safer mining operations across the country.

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