Minister Urges Kogi Youths to Help End Illegal Mining Networks
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development has urged Kogi youths to persuade community leaders, traditional rulers and local officials to stop shielding illegal miners. He said investigations showed that many illegal miners in the state are local residents operating with support from influential people in their communities. The ministry said Mining Marshals identified 374 illegal mining sites between March 2024 and August 2026 and cleared 108 of them. It said 743 suspects were arrested, with 165 cases involving 430 defendants under prosecution and five convictions secured so far. Youth representatives from Kogi East said mining activities in Ankpa and Omala have damaged roads and farmland, polluted water sources and worsened living conditions. The ministry said it is compiling the names of mining firms that have failed to meet their Community Development Agreement obligations for possible sanctions.
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