The Nasarawa deputy governor, Emmanuel Akabe, has reportedly led security personnel to arrest three Chinese nationals and several others over alleged illegal activities in Amba community, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The enforcement operation targeted an illegal mining site where security operatives apprehended suspects allegedly involved in unauthorised mining activities.
During the raid, authorities recovered suspected mineral resources stored in cartons, along with a range of equipment believed to have been used in carrying out the illegal operations.
Among the items seized were CCTV cameras and other operational materials reportedly installed at the site to monitor and facilitate the illegal mining activities.
Speaking after the operation, the deputy governor said he personally led the exercise to arrest some Chinese nationals and artisanal miners at the illegal site in Amba Community, Kokona LGA, following repeated reports of unlawful mining despite government directives ordering its suspension.
Akabe said he visited the site to witness firsthand what was happening and expressed dismay that the order suspending mining activities was being flouted.
Akabe questioned how foreign nationals without proper legal documents were being allowed into the country to mine in the state, stressing that as a responsible government, Nasarawa would not permit illegal ventures and would uphold the sanctity of the law in all business activities.
The deputy governor noted that mining is on the exclusive legislative list, which gives the Federal Government the power to regulate activities in the sector. However, he assured that the state government would do its best
