Four Chinese nationals were apprehended at an illegal mining site where lithium is traded in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) made the arrests on Friday.
NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi stated that the Chinese individuals were detained after they declined to comply with an invitation for questioning.
“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 economy of the nation.
“The Mining Marshalls with a renewed vigour swung into action following credible intelligence and uncovered an illegal mining site where lithium is sold at Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
“During the sting operation, the squad arrested four Chinese nationals who through preliminary investigation admitted that they were running an illegal site used for selling lithium,” the statement said.
According to Mining Marshall Commander, ACC. Attah John Onoja, the minerals in question were confiscated in accordance with Section 146 (b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
Onoja further stated that a court application will be filed for the forfeiture of the seized lithium minerals, with the proceeds to be handed over to the Federal Government.
He also mentioned that initial investigations have revealed the disposal of minerals without the necessary license.
He said, “The arrested suspects have confessed to the crime, admitting that they held no certificate or license to deal in the solid minerals. The suspects are running a business venture identified as HOSAN AGRO-ALLIED COMPANY LTD which was registered to deal in agricultural-related activities.”
The Federal Government promised to stop all illegal mining across the country and stop mineral theft, which was a big problem for the economy’s stable minerals industry.
Dr. Ahmed Audi, who is the commandant general of the NSCDC, has told the Mining Marshals to work hard to get rid of all the illegal mines in the country. (The New Telegraph)