Illegal Mining:FG Arrests 3 Chinese,2 Nigerians

           Mohammed Shosanya

Mining Marshals,last week raided an illegal mining site in Nasarawa State .

The operation, carried out at a site in Rafin-Gabas, Agwada Area Council, Kokona LGA, led to the arrest of three Chinese nationals and two Nigerians mining without authorization.

 Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the  Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said in a statement that the suspects were found mining minerals such as fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin, and confessed to engaging in illicit activities on the site since December 15, 2021, covering five cadastral units.

Despite repeated warnings to comply with regulations, the company allegedly ignored all directives, causing substantial revenue losses for the federal government by siphoning resources unlawfully.

The Mining Marshals, a specialized unit comprising 2,570 officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), was established by Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, to tackle illegal mining.

 Since their deployment, over 200 arrests have been made nationwide, with around 140 suspects currently undergoing prosecution.