In a bid to boost the Nigerian economy, the government has turned its focus to various sectors, including the mining of solid minerals. Recognizing the porous nature of the sector due to lack of monitoring and exploitation policies, strategic measures have been implemented to ensure proper regulation and curb illegal mining activities.
To achieve this objective, the government has commissioned a special team of specially trained personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as Federal Government Mining Marshals. This team has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal miners who undermine the nation’s economy.
Following credible intelligence, the Mining Marshals recently uncovered an illegal mining site where lithium is being illegally sold in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. During the operation, four Chinese nationals were arrested, admitting to running the illegal site.
According to the NSCDC spokesperson, the Mining Marshall Commander, Attah John Onoja, confirmed that the minerals seized were in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007. The arrest of the Chinese nationals came after they refused to cooperate with authorities.
The suspects were found to be operating under the guise of HOSAN AGRO-ALLIED COMPANY LTD, registered for agricultural-related activities. Plans are underway to seek forfeiture of the impounded lithium minerals through legal channels, with proceeds to be remitted to the Federal Government.
Preliminary investigations also revealed disposal of the minerals without the required license, further underscoring the importance of regulatory oversight in the mining sector.
