3 Chinese Nationals Arrested Over Alleged Illegal Mining in Nasarawa

(Chinese nationals. Photo by Arise News)

At Amba Community in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, at least three Chinese nationals and a number of Nigerian miners have been arrested on suspicion of engaging in illicit mining activities.

The Chinese nationals were arrested in the state capital, according to State Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who oversaw a powerful security operation at the mining facility.

According to Dr. Akabe, who conducted an inspection tour of the site in order to apprehend the offenders, the government had been informed on multiple occasions that illicit mining operations had persisted in the region in spite of the directive directing their suspension.

He claimed to have personally visited the location to learn firsthand about the situation and expressed grave worry about the ongoing disregard for the order to stop mining operations.

He gave an explanation of why he was in charge of the operation, stating that the enforcement action, which took place on Friday, focused on an illicit mining site where security personnel detained suspects who were reportedly engaged in illicit mining activities.

However, he claimed that during the raid, officials found equipment thought to have been used in the illicit activities as well as suspected mineral resources kept in cartons.activities throughout the region in spite of the mandate for their suspension.

CCTV cameras and other operational supplies that were allegedly set up at the location to oversee and support the illicit mining activity were among the items confiscated.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to upholding peace and order and safeguarding the interests of the state and the host community while claiming that mining is on the Exclusive Legislative List, which places regulation of the industry within the federal government.

He claimed that before the minerals were investigated, there was no agreement with the community about environmental impact studies or corporate social responsibility, and that anyone found guilty would be subject to the full force of the law.

The deputy governor cautioned locals to contribute to preserving peace and stability in the state and reiterated that all operations at the site will stay paused until all legal disputes pertaining to the mining site are settled.

In order to discourage others, authorities stated that additional investigations were underway and that those found guilty would face appropriate prosecution.

Speaking through an interpreter, the Chinese nationals detained at the location revealed that they had been mining in the area since last year and that they were employed by higher-ranking authorities who lived in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.