Abakaliki
In a decisive move to rid Ebonyi State of illegal mining operations, the State Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has carried out a joint enforcement operation alongside key federal security and regulatory agencies.
The coordinated exercise, which involved the Federal Mines Officer, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, and the Special Mining Marshals, targeted an illegal miner operating on a legally acquired mining lease belonging to First Patriot Plc.
According to the Ministry, the operation was part of ongoing efforts by the state government to sanitise the mining sector, curb illegal activities, and ensure that all mining operations in the state comply with both state and federal laws.
“The enforcement was necessitated by the government’s resolve to synergise with relevant federal agencies in sanitising the mining sector,” the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development Hon. Chidi Onyia said.
During the exercise, the illegal mining site was sealed off, while all equipment and properties on the site were ordered to be forfeited to the Federal Government in line with existing mining and environmental regulations.
Officials emphasized that the crackdown sends a strong warning to those engaging in unauthorized mining operations across the state, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal resource exploitation.
The Ministry further reaffirmed the state’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for legitimate investors in the solid minerals sector, assuring that only duly licensed operators will be allowed to carry out mining activities within Ebonyi State.
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