Illegal mining: Taskforce impounds 21 truckloads of coal

A joint task force comprising the police, NSCDC, State Security Service, Federal Mines Office, Kogi State, State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources and Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS) have seized a total of 21 trucks loaded with coal, amounting to 945 tons.

A statement disclosed that the seizure was made between December 18, 2023 and January 7, 2024, following the ban on illegal mining across the federation by the minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake.

The statement explained that the joint task force was established by the state government after instituting an application before the Federal High Court, Lokoja

The order sought the forfeiture of the 945 tons of coal to the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

“Subsequently, on 18 January 2024, the Federal High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Abdul Dogo granted an interim forfeiture order for the 945 tons of coal to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

“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 LGA, where the products were impounded for any interested person to show cause why the order should not be made absolute/final.”

It added that the pasting should be done within seven days after the date while the return date for the final Order is February 1, 2024, and the applicant should file an affidavit of compliance with pictures to prove the publication.

“Consequently, 24 licensed mining companies visited Kogi State on January 19, 2024, to appreciate the Kogi State Government and security agencies for this unprecedented containment action and make inputs to improve upon the operations of the joint taskforce.”