No fewer than three Chinese nationals and several Nigerian miners have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities at Amba Community in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who led a high-powered security operation at the mining site, confirmed the arrest of the Chinese nationals in the state capital.
Dr. Akabe, who took an inspection tour of the site to effect the arrest of the culprits, stated that the government had received several reports that illegal mining activities had continued in the area despite the directive ordering their suspension.
According to him, he personally visited the site to obtain first-hand information on what was happening, expressing deep concern over the continued violation of the directive to halt mining activities.
Explaining the rationale for leading the operation, he said the enforcement exercise, carried out on Friday, targeted an illegal mining site where security operatives apprehended suspects allegedly involved in unauthorised mining operations.
He, however, stated that during the raid, authorities recovered suspected mineral resources stored in cartons, along with equipment believed to have been used in carrying out the illegal activities.
Among the items seized were CCTV cameras and other operational materials reportedly installed at the site to monitor and facilitate the illegal mining operation.
He asserted that mining is on the Exclusive Legislative List, which places regulation of the sector under the Federal Government, while reiterating the state government’s commitment to protecting the interests of the host community and the state, and ensuring law and order.
According to him, there was no agreement with the community regarding corporate social responsibility or environmental impact assessments before the minerals were explored, adding that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The deputy governor reaffirmed that all activities at the site remain suspended until all litigations relating to the mining site are resolved, warning residents to play their part in maintaining peace and stability in the state.
Authorities said further investigations were ongoing and that those found culpable would be prosecuted accordingly to serve as a deterrent to others.
The Chinese nationals arrested at the site, speaking through an interpreter, explained that they had been mining in the community since last year, adding that they were working for their superior officials residing in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Umar Muhammed
