Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) shut down a well-secured illegal mining site in Rafin-Gabas community of Kokona Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
The operation, which was carried out by the NSCDC’s Mining Marshals, also saw the arrest of three Chinese nationals reportedly involved in illegal mining.
In a Friday, April 4, 2025, press release issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, CDC Afolabi Babawale, the operation is a great leap towards the agency’s battle against illegal mining in the nation.
Babawale disclosed that the suspects fled the scene with the help of compromised security officers who were allegedly hired to guard the facility.
The illegal business operator and some of the fugitives are reported to have pending criminal charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“In a tactically planned and intelligence-driven operation, the Mining Marshals raided the place and dismantled what had been an illegal mining strong hold for years guarded by rogue security agents,” the release said.
Assistant Commandant John Onoja Attah, Commander of Special Mining Marshals, has confirmed that his men successfully arrested three Chinese nationals caught in the act, with some others escaping.
He described the raid as a great milestone in the countrywide campaign to sanitize the mining industry.
This is a major breakthrough in our struggle to sanitize the mining industry of illegal activities,” Attah stated.
“We are committed to bringing to book all perpetrators—be they any security personnel who have been involved in facilitating or abetting these crimes.”
The illegal mine has been shut off and a manhunt initiated to apprehend the remaining suspects. Investigations are ongoing to identify all those involved.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, confirmed the development in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
Alake praised the NSCDC for the successful operation and reaffirmed the government’s determination to put an end to illegal mining activities across the country.
This is a significant stride towards reestablishing order and clarity in the mining sector,” Alake stated, adding that the government remains committed to punishing culprits.
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