The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, or NSCDC, Mining Marshals have detained four Chinese people at an illicit lithium mining facility in Nasarawa State’s Karu Local Government Area.
Spokesman of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
“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 Marshalls with a renewed vigour 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 four Chinese nationals who through preliminary investigation admitted that they were running an illegal site used for selling lithium,” the statement said.
The materials in question were confiscated in accordance with Section 146(b) of the materials and Mining Act, 2007, according to the Mining Marshall Commander, ACC. Attah John Onoja.
Onoja further stated that the Federal Government would get the revenues of the forfeiture of the impounded lithium minerals, along with a court application for their forfeiture.
He claims that early investigations have found locations where the minerals were being disposed of without the necessary authorization.
“The arrested suspects have confessed to the crime, admitting that they held no certificate or license to deal in the 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,” he said.
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