Several foreign nationals and Nigerian citizens have been arrested in a major crackdown on illegal mining activities in Amba Community, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, as authorities intensify efforts to safeguard the state’s mineral resources.
The suspects were apprehended on Friday, July 17, 2026, during a coordinated security operation led by the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe.
The operation forms part of the state government’s ongoing campaign to combat illegal mining, enforce regulatory compliance, and sanitise the solid minerals sector.
Security operatives recovered several cartons containing suspected illegally mined minerals during the raid. They also confiscated equipment, including CCTV cameras allegedly installed by the suspects to monitor security movements and evade law enforcement.
Speaking after the operation, Dr. Akabe said the crackdown underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nasarawa State’s mineral wealth, curbing illegal mining activities, and ensuring strict adherence to Nigeria’s mining laws.
He noted that the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution where sufficient evidence of wrongdoing is established.
The latest operation highlights the Nasarawa State Government’s renewed resolve to eliminate illegal mining and strengthen transparency and accountability in the exploitation of the state’s vast solid mineral resources.
Nasarawa Cracks Down on Illegal Mining, Arrests Foreign Nationals and Nigerians
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