- Arrests Made: The Mining Marshals have arrested three Chinese and two Nigerian nationals for engaging in illegal mining activities in Nasarawa State.
- Location of Arrest: The arrests were made at an illegal mining site located at Rafin-Gabas, Agwada Area Council, Kokona LGA, Nasarawa State.
- Minerals Mined: The suspects were mining Fluorite, Zinc, Led, and Tin without lawful authorization.
- Duration of Illicit Activities: The arrested suspects confessed to having been engaged in illicit activities at the site since December 15, 2021, spanning five cadastral units.
- Revenue Loss: The company’s actions resulted in significant revenue losses to the federal government.
- Ongoing Efforts: The 2,570-strong Mining Marshals have made over 200 arrests and have 140 suspects undergoing prosecution across the country.
- Government Commitment: The federal government remains committed to sanitizing the mining sector, ensuring it’s secure and safe for genuine investors.
This crackdown is part of the government’s efforts to curb illegal mining activities in Nigeria, which have been linked to various challenges, including environmental degradation, revenue loss, and security breaches.