Nasarawa State Government Cracks Down on Illegal Mining, Arrests Foreign Nationals in Major Enforcement Operation

FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – The Nasarawa State Government has intensified its campaign against illegal mining with the arrest of foreign nationals and local artisanal miners operating unlawfully in Amba Village, Kokona Local Government Area, in what authorities described as a decisive move to safeguard the state’s natural resources and uphold the rule of law.

The operation, led personally by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, underscores the government’s resolve to stamp out illegal mining activities that have continued despite an earlier directive suspending operations at the disputed mining site.

Speaking during an inspection of the location over the weekend, Dr. Akabe said the government acted following persistent reports that unauthorized mining had continued unabated in defiance of official orders. He noted that his visit was aimed at obtaining firsthand information on the situation while ensuring that those violating the law were brought to justice.

The Deputy Governor expressed concern over the continued influx of foreign nationals allegedly engaging in mining activities without proper legal documentation, describing the development as unacceptable. He stressed that no individual or organization would be permitted to operate outside the confines of the law, regardless of nationality.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we cannot fold our arms while individuals pursue illegal ventures within our territory. The sanctity of the law must be respected, and every business enterprise must operate within the legal framework,” he declared.

Dr. Akabe explained that although mineral resources fall under the Exclusive Legislative List, placing regulation primarily in the hands of the Federal Government, the Nasarawa State Government has a constitutional responsibility to protect its communities, preserve public order and ensure that mining activities do not undermine environmental sustainability or community welfare.

He further revealed that investigations showed there was no evidence of any agreement between the operators and the host community regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), both of which are considered essential for responsible mining operations.

According to him, all those found culpable after investigations would face the full weight of the law.

The Deputy Governor reaffirmed that the affected mining locations would remain shut until all pending litigations surrounding the site are conclusively resolved, urging residents to support government efforts by providing useful information and helping to maintain peace across the state.

Meanwhile, the Chinese nationals arrested during the operation, speaking through an interpreter, disclosed that they had been carrying out mining activities in the community since last year. They claimed they were working on behalf of their employers, whom they said are based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The latest enforcement action signals a tougher stance by the Nasarawa State Government against illegal exploitation of its rich mineral deposits as it seeks to promote responsible mining, protect host communities, and ensure that the state’s abundant natural resources contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.

ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.

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