Four Chinese Nationals Arrested for Operating Illegal Mining Site in Nasarawa

Authorities have apprehended four Chinese individuals for their involvement in an unauthorized mining operation selling lithium in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, as reported by spokesperson Babawale Afolabi from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The arrest was made by a team of specially trained NSCDC personnel functioning as Federal Government Mining Marshals. They took swift action based on credible intelligence that led them to uncover the illegal mining site, where the Chinese nationals confessed to running the illicit operation.

ACC. Attah John Onoja, the Mining Marshall Commander, stated that the seized minerals were confiscated following the regulations outlined in Section 146 (b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007. He mentioned that the Chinese nationals were taken into custody after they failed to comply with requests for questioning.

An application will be submitted to court for the forfeiture of the impounded lithium minerals, with the proceeds being handed over to the Federal Government. Preliminary investigations revealed that the minerals were being traded without the necessary licenses.

According to Onoja, the detained individuals acknowledged their wrongdoing, admitting their lack of certification or licensing to engage in the trade of solid minerals. They were reportedly operating under the guise of HOSAN AGRO-ALLIED COMPANY LTD, a business registered for agricultural purposes.

The Federal Government has pledged to eradicate illegal mining activities nationwide and put an end to mineral theft, a pressing issue impacting the solid minerals sector of the economy.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC Commandant General, has urged the Mining Marshals to continue their efforts diligently in eliminating illegal mining practices across the country.