The Nigerian government has confirmed the arrest of three Chinese nationals and two Nigerians for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Nasarawa State. The arrest was disclosed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, in a statement issued through his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Monday.

The suspects were apprehended at an illegal mining site in Rafin-Gabas, Agwada, within the Kokona Local Government Area. According to Alake, the arrests were made by mining marshals— a unit established to secure mining sites across Nigeria—following actionable intelligence on the suspects’ activities.

“The suspects were arrested for mining without lawful authorization,” Alake stated. “Among the minerals illegally mined are fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin. The suspects admitted to engaging in these activities at the site since December 15, 2021, covering five cadastral units.”

Alake added that the company involved had repeatedly ignored directives to regularize its activities, opting instead to continue siphoning resources, causing substantial revenue losses for the country.

The Minister noted that these arrests are part of a larger crackdown on illegal mining operations nationwide, reporting that over 200 illegal miners have been apprehended so far, with around 140 facing prosecution.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to reforming the mining sector, Alake emphasized that mining marshals will continue working to ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources are managed responsibly and that legitimate investors can operate in a secure environment.