Illegal mining: Kogi miners hail seizure of 21 coal trucks

LICENSED coal miners in Kogi State have expressed support for the recent impounding of 21 coal trucks by the Kogi State government and security operatives, which they said belonged to illegal coal miners in the state.

The trio of Dr Innocent Ezuma, Partha Ghosh and Dr Ramos of Etazuma Mining and Industries Limited, Koyla Energy Limited and Mosra Energy Limited applauded the federal government, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake, Kogi State government and security agencies for taking up the fight against what they termed ‘ economic saboteurs who tend to breed terrorism’. They added that the security agencies have left no stone unturned to stop the menace of illegal mining and curb its negative impacts on the economy and security of the country.

In December, Alake restated the ban on illegal mining activities by the federal government, adding that there would be severe penalties for illegal miners.

Following the warning, the Kogi State Government, on 18 December 2023, set up a joint task force comprising the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), Department of Security Service ( DSS), Kogi Federal Mines Office, State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources and Kogi State Vigilante Service ( KSVS).

From 18 December to 7 January 2024, the joint task force said a total of 21 trucks loaded with coal, amounting to 945 tonnes, containing illegal mining, have been impounded.

Consequently, on 8 January 2024, an application was filed before the Federal High Court, Lokoja, seeking an order of forfeiture of the seized coal to the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

The Federal High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Abdul Dogo, last week, granted an interim forfeiture order for the seized coal to the federal government.

The court directed that the notice of order be pasted in public places including federal high courts, state high courts and various mining sites in Ankpa local area, where the products were impounded.

Twenty- four licensed mining companies visited Kogi at the weekend to appreciate the Kogi State government and security agencies for the action and suggested inputs to improve the operations of the taskforce.