In a significant development in Nigeria’s fight against illegal mining, the Nigeria Mining Marshals (MM) arrested three Chinese nationals and two Nigerians for illegally mining fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin in Nasarawa State. The group, operating unlawfully since December 2021, defied government orders and inflicted substantial economic losses through unregulated activities.
The arrests highlight Nigeria’s efforts to combat unauthorized mining operations, which threaten the nation’s economy and environment. Nigeria Mining Marshals, a task force created under the directive of Dr. Dele Alake, Minister for Mines, was established specifically to curb the surge in illegal mining activities across the country. This recent success adds to the MM’s growing record, as they have apprehended over 200 individuals since the initiative’s inception.
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Minister Alake praised the MM for their work, emphasizing that illegal mining deprives Nigeria of critical revenue and harms local ecosystems. He stressed the government’s commitment to rooting out unlicensed operators and protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources. The arrestees now face legal action as authorities conduct further investigations
