The Nasarawa State Government has intensified its campaign against illegal mining, arresting several foreign nationals and local operators during a security operation in Amba Community, Kokona Local Government Area, as authorities move to curb revenue leakages, strengthen regulatory oversight and protect investments in one of Nigeria’s most strategic solid minerals hubs.
The enforcement operation, led on Friday by Deputy Governor Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, resulted in the recovery of suspected illegally mined minerals packed in cartons and the seizure of operational equipment, including CCTV cameras allegedly installed to monitor activities at the site and evade security operatives.
Speaking during the operation, Akabe said the enforcement exercise reflected the state government’s determination to stamp out illegal mining, safeguard Nasarawa’s mineral resources and ensure that all mining activities comply with Nigeria’s mining laws and regulatory framework.
He said the administration would continue working closely with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Mining Marshals and other security agencies to dismantle illegal mining networks, protect legitimate investments and ensure that the state’s mineral wealth delivers greater economic benefits to its people.
The arrested suspects are expected to be handed over to the appropriate security and regulatory authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, if investigations establish violations of the law.
The operation comes as both the Federal Government and mineral-producing states intensify efforts to combat illegal mining, which has continued to erode government revenue through the loss of royalties, taxes and licence fees while discouraging responsible investment in Nigeria’s extractive industry.
According to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the solid minerals sector generated ₦38.31 billion in government revenue in 2023, while the industry still recorded significant outstanding liabilities owed by operators, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and improved regulatory compliance.
Although the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product remains below one per cent, the Federal Government considers mining a critical pillar of its economic diversification agenda.
The crackdown also aligns with reforms being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, which established the Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining nationwide.
The ministry has repeatedly stated that security operations have resulted in hundreds of arrests, the recovery of several illegal mining sites and ongoing prosecutions aimed at dismantling criminal mining networks and improving investor confidence in the sector.
The state is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most mineral-rich states, with commercially viable deposits of lithium, barite, tin, columbite, tantalite, limestone, marble and gemstones.
Growing global demand for lithium—driven by the rapid expansion of electric vehicle battery production and renewable energy storage—has increased investor interest in Nasarawa, positioning the state as a strategic destination for mining and mineral processing investments.
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