The federal government has dismantled an illegal mining site in Kogi State, putting an end to over 20 years of unlawful operations. According to a statement from Dele Alake on Saturday, mining marshals carried out the operation in Jaguna, near Iye and Odogbe communities in Yagba East Local Government Area.

The specialized marshals enforced a directive issued in July 2024, ordering illegal miners to leave the site. Earlier raids this year resulted in the arrest of seven illegal gold miners, but instead of vacating, the miners fortified their defenses with armed guards and expanded their workforce.

Despite appeals from local leaders, the miners obstructed legitimate titleholders from accessing the area for over 16 years. A recent intelligence-led operation allowed the marshals to neutralize armed resistance and secure the site. Alake noted that this effort is part of a larger plan to combat illegal mining and restore order to the sector.