Four Chinese nationals have been arrested by Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at an illegal mining site where lithium is sold in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Via a statement on Saturday 27 April 2024, the spokesman of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, said:
“Following the Commissioning of some specially trained NSCDC Personnel as Federal Government Mining Marshals, the Team has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal miners sabotaging the economy of the nation.
“The Mining Marshall swung into action following credible intelligence and uncovered an illegal mining site where Lithium is sold at Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
“During the sting operation, the Squad arrested 4 Chinese nationals who through preliminary investigation admitted they were running an illegal site used for selling lithium.”
He added that an application will be lodged in Court for forfeiture of the impounded lithium, and the proceeds will be remitted to the Federal Government.
He said preliminary investigations have revealed the location where the minerals are being sold without the required license.
He added: “The arrested suspects have confessed to the crime; admitting that they held no certificate or license to deal in solid minerals.
“The suspects are running a business venture identified as HOSAN AGRO-ALLIED COMPANY LTD which was registered to deal in agricultural-related activities.”
The Federal Government has vowed to stamp out illegal mining activities across the country and to end the menace of mineral theft plaguing the solid minerals sector of Nigeria’s economy.
Naija Philia! 
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