The Federal Government has apprehended three Chinese nationals and two Nigerians on suspicion of engaging in illegal mining activities in Nasarawa State.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, announced the arrests in a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, in Abuja on Monday. The suspects were detained at an illegal mining site in Rafin-Gabas, Agwada, within Kokona Local Government Area.
Alake explained that the arrests were made by mining marshals—an enforcement unit established to protect mining sites—acting on credible intelligence. The suspects were allegedly mining minerals such as fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin without authorization.
According to the minister, the suspects admitted to conducting illegal operations on the site, covering five cadastral units, since December 2021. “The company disregarded all lawful directives to regularize their operations and continued depleting the nation’s resources, causing significant revenue losses to the Federal Government,” he stated.
Alake further disclosed that over 200 illegal miners have been arrested nationwide, with approximately 140 currently facing prosecution. He reiterated the government’s commitment to reforming the mining sector, ensuring a secure environment for lawful investors through the persistent efforts of the mining marshals.
