In Kogi State, seven persons have been apprehended over their alleged involvement in illegal gold mining.

The suspects were arrested by security operatives in a community within Yagba East Local Government Area (LGA) of the middle belt State.

The Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, made this known in a statement on Friday.

According the statement by Segun Tomori, the Minister’s media aide, the operation that led to the arrests was carried out by mining marshals in Iyeh Odogbe, Isanlu community of Yagba East LGA.

Tomori stated that the operation targeted illegal miners whose activities have impeded lawfully authorized miners with licenses covering four cadastral units from accessing the site for the past 16 years.

It’s gathered that these unauthorized activities have persisted for over 20 years.

“The well-coordinated operation, led by Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, resulted in the arrest of seven suspects heading different groups of illegal miners in the area,” the statement read.

Following the successful operation, site workers were given a five-day ultimatum to vacate the premises. This move is part of continued efforts to secure the area and ensure it is fully recovered for lawful mining activities.

This operation follows a similar one carried out by the marshals in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, which led to the arrest of eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian suspected of illegal mining.

The trial of these suspects commenced last week at the Federal High Court, Abuja division. They have been remanded in Kuje prisons until the next adjourned date