3 Chinese Nationals, Others Arrested Over Illegal Mining In Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Government has arrested three Chinese nationals and several Nigerian artisanal miners for alleged illegal mining in Amba Community, Kokona Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were apprehended on Friday during a high-powered enforcement operation led by the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe.

The operation followed repeated intelligence reports that illegal mining activities had continued in the area despite a government order suspending all mining operations.

Security operatives who accompanied the deputy governor raided the illegal site and recovered suspected mineral resources packaged in cartons, alongside operational equipment, including Closed Circuit Television cameras and other materials allegedly used to facilitate the illicit activities.

Addressing journalists after the exercise, Dr. Akabe said he personally led the operation to have firsthand assessment of the situation in Amba.

He expressed concern that government directives were being flagrantly disobeyed and questioned how foreign nationals without valid documentation could gain access to mining sites in the state.

“As a responsible government, we will not allow illegality to thrive in any form. We will continue to uphold the rule of law in all business activities in Nasarawa State,” Akabe said.

The deputy governor explained that although mining falls under the Exclusive Legislative List and is regulated by the Federal Government, the state government has a duty to protect host communities, ensure compliance with environmental standards and maintain law and order.

He disclosed that preliminary findings showed that the operators had no Corporate Social Responsibility agreement with the host community and had not conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment before commencing exploration.

Akabe warned that all those found culpable would face the full weight of the law, adding that all mining sites in the disputed area would remain closed pending the resolution of ongoing litigations. He called on residents to support government efforts to sustain peace and stability in the state.

Speaking through an interpreter, the arrested Chinese nationals claimed they had been mining in the community since last year on behalf of their superiors based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Security agencies said investigation is ongoing and that the suspects would be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations.