Some Chinese nationals and Nigerians have been taken into custody by security operatives, over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Amba community, Kokona LGA of Nasarawa state.
The arrests were effected on Friday during a raid of illegal mining sites in the state.
The exercise was led by Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, deputy governor of Nasarawa state.
Other top government officials, including Danladi Jatau, speaker of the Nasarawa house of assembly, were also in attendance.
The enforcement was part of efforts of the Nasarawa state government to curb illegal mining and safeguard the state’s mineral resources.
During the exercise, mineral resources stored in cartons, CCTV cameras, and operational equipment were seized.
Speaking at the scene, Akabe said despite the state government’s repeated directives against illegal mining, the suspects have persisted with their operations.
The deputy governor said his visit was meant to obtain firsthand information on the situation while ensuring that those violating the law were brought to justice.
The deputy governor added that influx of foreign nationals allegedly engaging in mining activities without proper legal documentation is worrisome.
He said although mineral resources are under the exclusive list, which is the purview of the federal government, the Nasarawa state government has a responsibility to protect its communities and ensure that mining activities do not undermine environmental sustainability or community welfare.
“As a responsible and responsive government, we cannot fold our arms while individuals pursue illegal ventures within our territory. The sanctity of the law must be respected, and every business enterprise must operate within the legal framework,” he said.
Speaking through an interpreter, the Chinese nationals said they have been carrying out mining activities in the community since last year, detailing that they do the bidding of their Abuja-based employers.
In June, the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arraigned 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before a federal high court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining in Nasarawa state.
