The Nigerian government has confirmed the arrest of three Chinese nationals and two Nigerian citizens involved in illegal mining activities in Nasarawa State. The arrests, carried out by mining marshals deployed by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, followed a targeted operation at a mining site in Rafin-Gabas, Agwada, within the Kokona Local Government Area. This action forms part of the government’s ongoing effort to curb unlawful mining practices and protect the nation’s mineral resources.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, shared the details through his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, in a statement released on Monday in Abuja. Alake explained that the arrests were made after credible intelligence led authorities to the mining site, where the suspects were found extracting minerals without official permits. The minerals involved included high-value resources such as fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin, which the government asserts are being depleted at significant cost to the nation.
“These individuals were detained for conducting mining operations without legal authorization,” Alake stated, highlighting that the mining activities stretched across five cadastral units. He further noted that the arrested suspects admitted to operating at the site since December 15, 2021, despite repeated warnings to adhere to regulatory standards. According to Alake, the company’s refusal to comply with federal directives has resulted in substantial financial losses for Nigeria.
This incident is part of a broader crackdown by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which has apprehended over 200 illegal miners across the country to date. Out of these, about 140 are already facing prosecution. The arrests underscore the government’s determination to protect mineral resources from illegal exploitation and promote compliance among operators within Nigeria’s mining industry.
Alake reaffirmed that the government remains committed to reforming the sector. “Our mining marshals are unwavering in their mission to secure the nation’s mining sites, ensuring they are accessible only to legitimate investors,” he said, adding that the ministry will continue to enforce strict oversight to attract credible investors and maximize the sector’s potential.
The Nigerian government has increasingly focused on strengthening enforcement in the mining sector, part of a strategy aimed at addressing illegal mining and securing revenue streams for national development.
