The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nasarawa State Command, has arrested four Chinese at an illegal mining site where lithium is sold at Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Spokesman for the NSCDC Mining Mashals, Babawale Afolabi made this known in a statement 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.
The Mining Marshall Commander, ACC. Attah John Onoja, stated that the minerals in question were seized in accordance with the provisions of Section 146 (b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
He further mentioned that the Chinese nationals were arrested after they declined to respond to invitations for questioning.
Onoja indicated that an application would be filed in court for the forfeiture of the impounded lithium minerals, with the proceeds to be remitted to the Federal Government.
He also revealed that preliminary investigations have revealed that the minerals were being disposed of without the necessary license.
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 had crack down on illegal mining activities across the country and end the menace of mineral theft plaguing the solid minerals sector of the nation’s economy.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi has charged the Mining Marshals to redouble their efforts to rid the country of illegal miners.
