Three Chinese Nationals, Several Nigerian Miners Arrested Over Alleged Illegal Mining in Nasarawa

Nigerian authorities have arrested three Chinese nationals and several Nigerian artisanal miners during a security operation targeting alleged illegal mining activities in Nasarawa State. The operation, carried out in Amba community, Kokona Local Government Area, forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on unauthorized mining and enforce compliance with existing regulations.

The raid was led by Nasarawa State Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe, following reports that mining activities had continued at the site despite an earlier government directive suspending operations. According to Akabe, the state government received multiple complaints alleging that illegal extraction of mineral resources was still taking place in defiance of official orders.

Speaking after the operation, the deputy governor explained that the joint security team visited the mining location to verify the reports and ensure that the suspension order was being enforced. During the raid, security operatives arrested the three Chinese nationals alongside several Nigerian miners suspected of participating in unlawful mining activities.

Authorities also recovered suspected mineral resources packed in cartons, as well as equipment believed to have been used at the site. Among the items seized were closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other operational materials allegedly installed to monitor activities around the mining area.

Akabe reiterated that the regulation of mining falls under the exclusive legislative authority of the Federal Government of Nigeria, stressing that all operators must comply with relevant laws, licensing requirements and regulatory procedures before commencing mining operations.

He further stated that the state government remains committed to protecting the interests of host communities while ensuring that all mining activities are conducted legally and responsibly. According to him, investigations revealed that there was no evidence of an agreement between the mining operators and the host community regarding corporate social responsibility commitments or environmental impact assessments, both of which are critical requirements for responsible mining operations.

The deputy governor warned that anyone found to have violated the law would face prosecution, adding that mining activities at the location would remain suspended until all pending legal disputes surrounding the site are resolved.

He also appealed to residents of the affected community to continue supporting government efforts to maintain peace, protect natural resources and ensure lawful exploitation of the state’s mineral deposits.

The three Chinese nationals, who spoke through an interpreter, reportedly told investigators that they had been working at the mining site since last year. They claimed they were carrying out mining operations on behalf of employers based in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and indicated that additional arrests or prosecutions could follow if more individuals are found to have participated in the alleged illegal operation.

Illegal mining has become a growing challenge across several mineral-rich states in Nigeria, costing governments significant revenue while contributing to environmental degradation, community conflicts and, in some regions, insecurity. In response, both federal and state authorities have intensified efforts to regulate the mining sector, strengthen enforcement and crack down on unlicensed operators, including foreign nationals involved in unauthorized mining activities.

The latest operation in Nasarawa underscores the government’s renewed commitment to sanitizing the solid minerals sector, protecting host communities and ensuring that Nigeria’s natural resources are developed in accordance with the law.