3 foreigners arrested as NSCDC special squad uncovers major illegal mining site in Nasarawa

Friday, April 4, 2025 - The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have shut down an illegal mining site in the Rafin-Gabas community, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and arrested three foreigners. 

The National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, CDC Afolabi Babawale, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, April 4, 2025, said the site was protected by some compromised security personnel. 

According to the spokesperson, some suspects managed to escape upon sighting our men as they were aided by colluding security operatives.

According to the statement, the company behind the illegal operations, along with some fugitives, have pending criminal charges in the Federal High Court, Abuja. 

“The Mining Marshals, a Special Squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps with versatility in training and professionalism in field operations have secured a major breakthrough in a relentless onslaught against Illegal Mining in Nasarawa State,” the statement read. 

"In tactically coordinated and Intelligence driven operations the NSCDC Mining Marshals stormed the crime scene and dismantled a heavily fortified illegal mining site in Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

"It was earlier gathered that the site was protected by some compromised security personnel and had long operated beyond the reach of law enforcement.

“The Special Mining Marshals Commander, Assistant Commandant John Onoja Attah said that his men successfully penetrated the stronghold and arrested 3 Chinese nationals caught in the act of illegal mining activities while some suspects took to their heels upon sighting our men as they were aided by colluding security operatives.” 

AC Attah relayed that the operation remained a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against illegal Mining across the federation.

"This marks a major milestone in our relentless battle to sanitize the mining sector and we will remain steadfast in our mission to dismantle and arrest illegal mining cabals as we assure the public that perpetrators would be brought to justice,” Attah stated.

“Currently, the illegal mining site has been sealed and a manhunt launched against the fleeing suspects; Investigation is ongoing to unravel those behind the heinous crime; we would also prosecute any security operative caught aiding and abetting illicit mining activities.” 

Meanwhile, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who confirmed the development in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, in Abuja, described the operation as a major step toward curbing illegal mining and sanitising the sector. 

The minister commended the Marshals, describing the operation as a breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cracking down on illegal mining and ensuring accountability.