Security operatives have arrested some Chinese nationals and Nigerians over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Amba community, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The arrests were made on Friday during a raid on suspected illegal mining sites led by Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, deputy governor of Nasarawa State.
The operation was attended by senior government officials, including Danladi Jatau, speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, as part of the state government’s efforts to clamp down on unauthorised mining activities and protect its mineral resources.
During the raid, officials seized mineral resources stored in cartons, CCTV cameras, and mining equipment found at the sites.
Akabe said the suspects continued their activities despite repeated warnings from the state government against illegal mining operations.
He said the visit was aimed at assessing the situation directly and ensuring that individuals violating mining regulations were held accountable.
The deputy governor expressed concern over the presence of foreign nationals allegedly involved in mining without the required legal approvals.
Although mining falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government, Akabe said the state government has a duty to protect communities, prevent environmental damage, and ensure mining activities do not affect residents’ 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.
The arrested Chinese nationals, speaking through an interpreter, said they had been mining in the community since last year. They claimed they were working on behalf of employers based in Abuja.
The latest arrests come weeks after 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.
