Three Chinese nationals and several Nigerian artisanal miners have been arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities at Amba Community in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The arrests were confirmed by the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, who led a high-level security operation to the mining site.

Dr. Akabe said the state government acted after receiving multiple reports that illegal mining activities were continuing in the area despite an existing directive suspending such operations. He explained that he personally visited the site to verify the reports and expressed concern over the continued violation of the government’s order.

According to him, the enforcement exercise, carried out on Friday, targeted an illegal mining site where security operatives apprehended suspects allegedly involved in unauthorised mining activities.

During the operation, security personnel recovered suspected mineral resources stored in cartons, as well as equipment believed to have been used for the illegal mining operation. Items seized included CCTV cameras and other operational materials reportedly installed to monitor and facilitate activities at the site.

The deputy governor stressed that mining falls under the Exclusive Legislative List, making it the responsibility of the Federal Government to regulate the sector. He reaffirmed the Nasarawa State Government’s commitment to protecting the interests of host communities, maintaining law and order, and ensuring that all those found culpable face the full weight of the law.

He also stated that there was no agreement between the operators and the host community regarding corporate social responsibility or environmental impact assessments before mining activities commenced.

Dr. Akabe announced that the affected mining areas would remain closed until all pending legal disputes concerning the site are resolved and urged residents to support efforts to maintain peace and stability in the state.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing and assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

The arrested Chinese nationals, speaking through an interpreter, said they had been operating at the mining site since last year and were mining on behalf of their superior officials based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.