Nasarawa Deputy Governor, Emmanuel Akabe, has reportedly led security personnel to arrest three Chinese nationals and several others over alleged illegal activities in Amba community, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The enforcement operation targeted an illegal mining site where security operatives apprehended suspects allegedly involved in unauthorised mining activities.
During the raid, authorities recovered suspected mineral resources stored in cartons, along with a range of equipment believed to have been used in carrying out the illegal operations.
Among the items seized were CCTV cameras and other operational materials reportedly installed at the site to monitor and facilitate the illegal mining activities.
The deputy governor, who spoke after the operation, said he personally led the exercise to arrest some Chinese nationals and artisanal miners at the illegal site in Amba Community, Kokona LGA, following repeated reports of unlawful mining despite government directives ordering its suspension.
Akabe said he visited the site to witness firsthand what was happening and expressed dismay that the order suspending mining activities was being flouted.
Akabe questioned how foreign nationals without proper legal documents were being allowed into the country to mine in the state, stressing that as a responsible government, Nasarawa would not permit illegal ventures and would uphold the sanctity of the law in all business activities.
The deputy governor noted that mining is on the exclusive legislative list, which gives the Federal Government the power to regulate activities in the sector. However, he assured that the state government would do its best to protect the interests of the host community and maintain law and order.
He disclosed that there was no agreement with the community on corporate social responsibility or environmental impact assessments before exploration began at the site, warning that all those found guilty would face the full weight of the law.
While maintaining that all areas remained closed until litigations relating to the mining site were resolved, Akabe called on citizens to support efforts to sustain peace and stability in the state.
Speaking through an interpreter, the arrested Chinese nationals said they had been mining in the community since last year and were doing so on behalf of their superior officials residing in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Authorities said further investigations were ongoing and that those found culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.
