In a recent operation, the Nasarawa State Police Command apprehended 109 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities within the Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area.
The parade of the suspects was witnessed by Yakubu Kwanta, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, who commended the police for their successful efforts and urged illegal miners to cease their activities.
Kwanta further called upon illegal miners in the state to consider forming cooperative societies and completing proper registration to operate within the bounds of the law. Umar Nadada, the Commissioner of Police, disclosed that the arrests were made through a collaborative effort between the Anti-kidnapping Unit of the command and local vigilantes in the Nasarawa Eggon LGA.
The operation targeted the Alogani mountain stretch, which had been exploited by kidnappers as a hideout for their victims while awaiting ransom payments. Nadada explained that the suspects were apprehended at various locations on the mountain, where they were illegally mining valuable solid minerals such as Topaz, Tin, and Aquamarine. The authorities confiscated several items, including a Dane gun, cutlasses, knives, and illegally mined minerals, as evidence.
Describing the operation, Nadada stated, “On February 19, 2024, at approximately 6 am, the anti-kidnapping unit of the command, in collaboration with vigilance groups from the Nasarawa Eggon LGA, conducted a large-scale raid on criminal hideouts at Alogani Hills. Although some individuals managed to escape, we arrested 109 illegal miners, who are currently in custody. We have initiated investigations and stand ready to work with the state government to profile these illegal miners, taking necessary actions accordingly.”
Expressing his appreciation, Commissioner Kwanta remarked, “We commend the Nasarawa State Command of the Nigeria Police Force for their diligent operation, which led to the apprehension of these illegal artisanal miners. This achievement is a testament to their experience and foresight. On behalf of the Executive Governor, I extend my gratitude. I strongly urge the suspected illegal miners to repent and seize this opportunity to establish cooperative groups. They should register with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment as a first step, followed by registration and profiling by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. This process will ensure documentation and identification of their operational status for the sake of peace and security. They must act promptly before returning to their mining sites.”
In a related development, Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District at the National Assembly and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, expressed concern over the security crises fueled by illegal mining activities nationwide. He lamented the collaboration between Nigerians and foreigners in defrauding the nation of its mining resources. Senator Sampson pledged to intensify investigations in the sector, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the country’s interests.
The Senate had previously assigned the Solid Minerals Committee the task of investigating the causes behind the dwindling revenue generated from solid minerals and the extent of illegal mining activities. The committee was also mandated to assess the involvement of both local and foreign industry players complicit in these activities.