Nasarawa State Government has arrested three Chinese nationals and several Nigerian miners over alleged illegal mining activities at Amba community in Kokona Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were arrested during a security operation led by the state Deputy Governor, Mr Emmanuel Akabe, following reports that mining activities had continued at the site despite an earlier government directive suspending operations.
Akabe, who led a joint security team to the mining location on Friday, July 17, 2026, said the enforcement action was carried out to verify complaints of continued illegal activities in the area.
“We came to see firsthand what is happening at the site because we have received several reports that illegal mining activities have continued despite the directive stopping them,” he said.
The deputy governor said the operation targeted an unauthorised mining site where security personnel apprehended the Chinese nationals and artisanal miners suspected of engaging in unlawful extraction of mineral resources.
He added that security operatives recovered suspected mineral resources packed in cartons, as well as equipment allegedly used for mining operations.
Items seized during the operation included closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and other materials believed to have been installed to monitor activities at the site.
Akabe reiterated that mining activities were under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, warning operators to comply with relevant laws and regulatory requirements.
He said the state government remained committed to protecting host communities, maintaining peace and ensuring that mining operations were conducted responsibly.
“There was no agreement with the community regarding corporate social responsibility or environmental impact assessments before mining activities commenced,” he said.
The deputy governor stated that anyone found to have violated the law would face prosecution, adding that mining activities at the site would remain suspended until ongoing legal disputes concerning the area were resolved.
“The area remains closed until all litigations relating to the mining site are concluded,” he said.
Akabe urged residents to support government efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability while investigations into the matter continue.
The authorities said further arrests could be made if additional suspects were found culpable.
Meanwhile, the three Chinese nationals, through an interpreter, told investigators that they had been working at the site since last year.
According to the interpreter, the suspects claimed they were carrying out mining activities on behalf of their employers, who are based in Abuja.
