In a daring operation, the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have apprehended four Chinese nationals at an unauthorized mining hotspot where lithium is being illicitly traded. The arrests took place in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
According to a statement released by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, on Saturday, the arrests were made following the deployment of specialized personnel as Federal Government Mining Marshals.
Afolabi stated, “Following the commissioning of some specially trained NSCDC personnel as Federal Government Mining Marshals, the team has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal miners sabotaging the economy of the nation.”
He continued, “The Mining Marshals, with renewed vigour, swung into action following credible intelligence and uncovered an illegal mining site where lithium is sold at Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.”
During the sting operation, the squad successfully apprehended four Chinese nationals who, upon preliminary investigation, confessed to their involvement in running an illegal site for selling lithium.
The arrest underscores the NSCDC’s commitment to curbing illegal mining activities across the country and safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral resources. Illegal mining not only poses environmental risks but also deprives the nation of revenue and undermines the formal mining sector.
The NSCDC urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious mining activities to the appropriate authorities, reaffirming its dedication to ensuring the rule of law and protecting Nigeria’s natural resources.
