The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have detained four Chinese nationals at an illicit mining site in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where Lithium is illicitly traded.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi, “In the wake of the deployment of specially trained NSCDC personnel as Federal Government Mining Marshals, the team has escalated its efforts to counteract illegal mining activities undermining the nation’s economy.”
“Acting on credible intelligence, the Mining Marshals conducted a thorough operation and uncovered an illegal mining site trading Lithium in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State,” the statement continued.
“In the course of the operation, the team apprehended four Chinese nationals, who, upon preliminary interrogation, confessed to operating an illicit site dedicated to Lithium trading.”
The spokesperson further elaborated, “Speaking on behalf of the Mining Marshals, Commander ACC. Attah John Onoja indicated that the minerals were confiscated under section 146 (b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, following the suspects’ non-compliance with the command’s summons for interrogation.”
Furthermore, he stated that a court application would be filed for the forfeiture of the seized lithium minerals, with the proceeds to be remitted to the Federal Government. Initial investigations have revealed instances where the minerals were being traded without the requisite licenses.
“The detained suspects have admitted to their involvement, acknowledging their lack of certification or licensing for the trade in solid minerals. They were found to be operating under the guise of HOSAN AGRO-ALLIED COMPANY LTD, a registered entity ostensibly engaged in agricultural activities,” he continued.
“The Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to eradicating illegal mining activities nationwide and curbing the pervasive issue of mineral theft within the solid minerals sector of the economy.”
Meanwhile, NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, has urged the Mining Marshals to diligently pursue their mandate of eliminating illegal mining operations. He emphasized the Corps’ unwavering determination to halt all unlawful mining activities nationwide, with perpetrators to face legal repercussions following thorough investigations, irrespective of their societal status.
