The Nasarawa State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining with the arrest of several Chinese nationals and Nigerian suspects during a joint enforcement operation in Amba community, Kokona Local Government Area.
The suspects were apprehended on Friday when security operatives raided alleged illegal mining sites in the area.
The operation was led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, and attended by the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Danladi Jatau, alongside other senior government officials.
Security personnel also recovered suspected mineral resources packaged in cartons, CCTV surveillance equipment and other operational tools allegedly used at the mining sites.
Addressing journalists during the operation, Akabe said the exercise formed part of the government's commitment to ending illegal mining and protecting the state's mineral wealth.
He lamented that despite repeated warnings by the state government, some operators had continued to engage in unauthorised mining activities.
According to him, the operation was intended to assess the situation firsthand and ensure that those found violating the law are prosecuted.
Akabe also expressed concern over the increasing number of foreign nationals allegedly involved in mining activities without the required legal approvals.
While noting that the regulation of mineral resources falls under the exclusive legislative list and is primarily the responsibility of the Federal Government, he said the state government has an obligation to protect host communities from the environmental and social consequences of illegal mining.
He stressed that all mining operators must comply with relevant laws and regulations governing the sector.
Some of the arrested Chinese nationals, speaking through an interpreter, reportedly told officials that they had been operating in the community since last year under the instruction of employers based in Abuja.
The latest enforcement action follows a similar crackdown in June, when the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals arraigned 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining activities in Nasarawa State.
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