Four Chinese individuals have recently been apprehended by the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their involvement in an illegal mining operation in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where lithium is being sold.
As stated by NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, the arrests were made following the deployment of specially trained NSCDC personnel as Federal Government Mining Marshals. Their efforts have been dedicated to cracking down on illegal mining activities, which pose a significant threat to the nation’s economy.
Upon a planned operation, the Mining Marshall team received credible intelligence that led them to an illegal mining site where lithium was being sold. As a result of this operation, four Chinese nationals were taken into custody. Subsequent investigations revealed that the individuals were operating the illegal site without the necessary permits or licences to engage in solid minerals trade.
The NSCDC’s Mining Marshall Commander, ACC. Attah John Onoja, has revealed that the impounded lithium minerals will be subject to a court application for forfeiture, with the proceeds to be remitted to the Federal Government. Additionally, the suspects, who have confessed to their involvement, will be thoroughly investigated under the full weight of the law.
This recent arrest underscores the commitment of the Federal Government to eradicate illegal mining activities across the nation. Dr Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC Commandant General, has emphasized the importance of putting an end to illegal mining and ensuring that those involved are held accountable for their actions. The Corps remains dedicated to this cause and will spare no effort in achieving the goal of stopping illegal mining activities nationwide.
The crackdown on illegal mining is an essential step towards safeguarding the nation’s economy and natural resources. It also serves as a warning to all individuals involved in illegal mining that they will be pursued and brought to justice, regardless of their status or position within the industry.
The actions taken by the NSCDC align with the government’s commitment to curbing illegal mining and its impact on the solid minerals sector. Through the efforts of the Mining Marshals, the fight against illegal mining continues, with the aim of creating a more regulated and sustainable mining industry in Nigeria.