The Nasarawa State Government has intensified its fight against illegal mining, arresting three Chinese nationals and several Nigerian artisanal miners during a security operation at Amba Community in Kokona Local Government Area.
The operation was led by Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who personally visited the mining site following reports that illegal mining activities had continued despite a government directive suspending operations in the area.
Speaking after the raid, Akabe said the government had received multiple complaints that unauthorized mining was still taking place, prompting authorities to verify the situation and enforce the suspension order.
During the operation, security personnel arrested the suspects and recovered cartons containing suspected mineral resources, as well as equipment believed to have been used in the illegal mining activities. Among the items seized were CCTV cameras and other operational materials allegedly installed to monitor and facilitate activities at the site.
The deputy governor stressed that mining falls under the exclusive legislative authority of the Federal Government but noted that the state remains committed to protecting host communities, preserving law and order, and ensuring that mining activities comply with relevant regulations.
He also alleged that there was no evidence of any agreement between the operators and the host community regarding corporate social responsibility commitments or environmental impact assessments before mining commenced.
Akabe reaffirmed that the mining site would remain closed until all pending legal disputes surrounding the area are resolved. He warned residents and operators against violating government directives, emphasizing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
State authorities said investigations are ongoing and assured that all those found responsible for unlawful mining activities would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
The arrested Chinese nationals, speaking through an interpreter, reportedly told authorities that they had been carrying out mining operations in the community since last year on behalf of their employers, who they claimed are based in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
