Three Chinese nationals and several Nigerian miners have been arrested during a security operation targeting alleged illegal mining activities in Nasarawa State.
The suspects were apprehended at Amba community in Kokona Local Government Area during a raid led by the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe.
According to Akabe, the operation was carried out following reports that mining activities had continued at the site despite a state government directive suspending all operations in the area.
He said the raid forms part of the government's efforts to enforce mining regulations, curb illegal extraction of mineral resources, and protect host communities from the environmental and security risks associated with unauthorized mining.
The deputy governor reiterated the state's commitment to sanitising the mining sector, warning that individuals and companies operating in defiance of government directives would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The arrested suspects are expected to face further investigation as authorities work to determine the extent of their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities.
The Nasarawa State Government has also urged residents to report illegal mining operations, assuring the public that it will continue to intensify enforcement efforts to safeguard the state's mineral resources and ensure compliance with existing regulations.