In a decisive operation, the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have apprehended four Chinese nationals at an illicit mining site notorious for trading lithium in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The NSCDC spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, revealed this development in a statement issued on Saturday, underscoring the intensified efforts of the newly commissioned Federal Government Mining Marshals to combat the scourge of illegal mining undermining the nation's economy.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Mining Marshals conducted a sting operation, uncovering the illegal mining site where lithium was illicitly traded. The arrested Chinese nationals, upon preliminary interrogation, confessed to their involvement in the illegal activities.
The Mining Marshall Commander, ACC. Attah John Onoja, emphasized that the seizure of the minerals aligns with the provisions of Section 146 (b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007. He noted that the refusal of the Chinese nationals to comply with invitations for questioning necessitated their arrest.
An application is set to be filed in court for the forfeiture of the impounded lithium minerals, with the proceeds slated for remittance to the Federal Government. Preliminary investigations have also uncovered instances of unauthorized disposal of the minerals, highlighting the widespread nature of illegal mining activities.
The arrested suspects, operating under the guise of HOSAN AGRO-ALLIED COMPANY LTD, confessed to lacking the requisite certificates or licenses to engage in solid mineral trading, underscoring the blatant disregard for regulatory protocols.
The crackdown on illegal mining activities aligns with the Federal Government's commitment to eradicating the menace of mineral theft and safeguarding the nation's solid minerals sector. NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, has urged the Mining Marshals to remain vigilant and resolute in their efforts to purge the country of illegal miners, reaffirming the government's determination to uphold the rule of law in the mining sector.
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