NSCDC Nabs Four Chinese For Illegal Mining In Nasarawa

The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested four Chinese at an illegal mining site in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, where lithium is sold.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the NSCDC’s spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, “Following the Commissioning of some specially trained NSCDC Personnel as Federal Government Mining Marshals, the Team has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal miners sabotaging the nation’s economy.”

“The Mining Marshall acted with renewed vigour after receiving credible intelligence and discovering an illegal mining site where lithium is sold in Nasarawa State’s Karu Local Government Area.

“During the sting operation, the Squad arrested four (4) Chinese nationals who, after a preliminary investigation, admitted to running an illegal site for selling lithium.”

The spokesman stated, “While speaking with the Mining Marshall Commander, ACC. Attah John Onoja hinted that the minerals were seized under section 146 (b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and that the arrest followed the suspect’s refusal to honour the command invitation for questioning.”

He added that an application for forfeiture of the impounded lithium minerals would be filed in court, with the proceeds going to the federal government.

He stated that preliminary investigations have revealed where the minerals were being disposed of without the required licence.

He stated: “The arrested suspects confessed to the crime, admitting that they did not have a certificate or licence to deal in solid minerals. The suspects are running a business called HOSAN AGRO-ALLIED COMPANY LTD, which was registered to engage in agricultural activities.

The federal government had vowed to put an end to illegal mining activities across the country, as well as the menace of mineral theft that plagued the nation’s Solid Minerals sector.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC Commandant General, has directed the Mining Marshals to work tirelessly to rid the country of illegal miners. He added that to carry out this mandate, the Corps will go to any length to ensure that all illegal mining activities are halted nationwide and that perpetrators will face the full weight of the law, regardless of how highly.