The Federal Government’s Crackdown on Illegal Mining Continues: Eight Chinese Nationals and One Nigerian Arraigned
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a significant step in its efforts to combat illegal mining activities by arraigning eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suspects were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit formed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in the Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
The defendants, including SHEN YONGCHAN, MO BAIXIAN, XIAO BIN, HUANG XU FA, MA BINGLI, YANG JIAN, LI PEIYIN, QUE WENYONG, and HIYK EDWARD DESMOND, were charged with mining without lawful authority and obstruction of lawful mining operations, among other offenses.
The trial began on Thursday, with the defendants being remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the next court date.
The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, is committed to strengthening the operations of the Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and more equipment to ensure that the nation reaps maximum benefits from its mineral resources.
This latest crackdown on illegal mining activities is a testament to the Federal Government’s determination to protect the country’s natural resources and ensure that the mining sector operates within the confines of the law.