Mining Marshals arrest 5 illegal miners in Nasarawa

Nigeria’s Mining Marshals last week apprehended three Chinese nationals and two Nigerian citizens for unauthorized mining operations in Nasarawa State. Acting on credible intelligence, the marshals raided an illegal mining site in Rafin-Gabas, Agwada Area Council, within the Kokona Local Government Area, leading to the arrests.

The suspects, found mining minerals such as fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin without legal permits, admitted to operating illicitly on the site since December 15, 2021, spanning an extensive five cadastral units.

Despite warnings from authorities to regularize their activities, the company continued to exploit resources unlawfully, resulting in substantial financial losses for the federal government.

The Mining Marshals, a specialized 2,570-member force drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were mobilized under the guidance of Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development. Since its establishment, the squad has taken aggressive action against illegal miners, achieving over 200 arrests, with approximately 140 suspects currently facing prosecution.

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to a safe, regulated mining sector, with ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the nation’s mineral resources and create a conducive environment for legitimate investors.

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