Four Chinese nationals have been apprehended by the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at an illicit mining site dealing in lithium in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, revealed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
“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.
“The Mining Marshalls with a 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 arrested four Chinese nationals who, through preliminary investigation, admitted that they were running an illegal site used for selling lithium,” the statement said.
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The Commander of the Mining Marshall, ACC. Attah John Onoja stated that the minerals in question were confiscated in accordance with the guidelines outlined in Section 146 (b) of the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007.
He further mentioned that the Chinese individuals were apprehended after they declined to comply with a request for interrogation.
Onoja elaborated that a formal request would be made to the court for the forfeiture of the confiscated lithium minerals, with the resulting proceeds being directed to the Federal Government.
He disclosed that initial investigations revealed instances where the minerals were being disposed of without the necessary licensing.
He said, “The arrested suspects have confessed to the crime, admitting that they held no certificate or license to deal in the solid minerals.
“The suspects are running a business venture identified as HOSAN AGRO-ALLIED COMPANY LTD which was registered to deal in agricultural-related activities.”
The Federal Government pledged to eradicate illegal mining nationwide and put an end to the rampant mineral theft that hampers the solid minerals sector of the economy.
In the meantime, Dr. Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, urged miningning Marshals to diligently eliminate illegal miners from the country.
