- The suspects were arrested at an illegal mining site located at Rafin-Gabas, Agwada, in Kokona Local Government Area.
The Federal Government says it has arrested three Chinese nationals and two Nigerians suspected of illegal mining in Nasarawa State.
The suspects were arrested at an illegal mining site located at Rafin-Gabas, Agwada, in Kokona Local Government Area.
The development is contained in a statement issued by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on Monday in Abuja.
He stated that the ministry’s mining marshals, established to secure mining sites across the nation, made the arrest in a recent operation following credible intelligence.
“The suspects were arrested for mining without lawful authorisation. Some of the minerals being mined include fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin.
“The arrested suspects confessed to having been on illicit activities at the site spanning five cadastral units since December 15, 2021.
“The company defied all lawful advice to regularise their activities and continued syphoning the nation’s resources, causing significant revenue losses to the Federal Government,” he said.
According to the minister, more than 200 illegal miners have been arrested so far, and about 140 are undergoing prosecution across the country.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming the mining sector, emphasising that the mining marshals would remain steadfast in ensuring a secure and safe environment for legitimate investors