Three Chinese nationals and several Nigerian miners have been arrested during a security operation targeting alleged illegal mining activities in Nasarawa State. The arrests were made at Amba community in Kokona Local Government Area during a raid led by Nasarawa State Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe.
Operation follows defiance of suspension order
Akabe, who headed a joint security team to the mining location on Friday, July 17, 2026, said the operation followed reports that mining activities had continued despite a government order suspending operations at the site. “We came to see firsthand what is happening at the site because we have received several reports that illegal mining activities have continued despite the directive stopping them,” Akabe said.
According to him, the enforcement operation targeted an unauthorised mining site where security personnel arrested three Chinese nationals and several artisanal miners suspected of engaging in unlawful extraction of mineral resources.
Seized equipment and materials
Authorities also recovered suspected mineral resources stored in cartons, along with equipment believed to have been used in the operation. Among the items seized were closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other operational materials allegedly installed to monitor activities at the mining site.
Legal and regulatory violations
Akabe reiterated that mining falls under the exclusive legislative jurisdiction of Nigeria’s federal government and warned that operators must comply with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements. He said the state government was determined to protect the interests of host communities while ensuring law and order.
“There was no agreement with the community regarding corporate social responsibility or environmental impact assessments before mining activities commenced,” he said, adding that anyone found to have violated the law would be prosecuted.
Mining site remains closed
Akabe also said all mining activities at the site would remain suspended until pending legal disputes surrounding the area were resolved. “The area remains closed until all litigations relating to the mining site are concluded,” Akabe said, urging residents to support efforts to maintain peace and stability in the state.
Ongoing investigations
Authorities said investigations were continuing and that additional suspects could face prosecution if found culpable. The three Chinese nationals, speaking through an interpreter, said they had been working at the site since last year. According to the interpreter, they told investigators they were mining on behalf of their employers, who are based in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
