Nigeria’s crackdown on illegal mining has entered a new phase after the Federal Government transferred foreign suspects to the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this on Friday during an interview on Channels Television.
He said some of the arrested foreigners were linked to serious security concerns beyond illegal mining activities.
“Foreign nationals arrested for illegal mining activities and suspected links to terrorism have been handed over to the Office of the National Security Adviser for further investigation,” Alake said.
Nigeria has battled illegal mining for years, especially in gold-rich northern states where unlicensed operators exploit mineral resources illegally.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that some illegal mining networks also fund armed groups and bandit activities in affected communities.
Over 327 Arrested Nationwide
Alake said enforcement operations across mining locations have intensified under the Federal Government’s renewed sector cleanup campaign.
“More than 327 individuals, including foreign nationals, have been arrested for illegal mining across the country,” he said.
Furthermore, he revealed that many suspects are already facing criminal prosecution in court.
“About 142 suspects are currently facing prosecution, while approximately 3,000 mining licences have been revoked,” the minister added.
The Federal Government has recently tightened regulations in the mining sector to improve revenue collection and stop environmental destruction.
Mining communities across parts of Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, and Kaduna states have reported rising concerns over illegal excavation and insecurity.
Government Tightens Mining Regulations
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has also increased surveillance and collaboration with security agencies nationwide.
Meanwhile, authorities believe illegal mining has deprived Nigeria of billions of naira in potential revenue despite the country’s vast mineral deposits.
The government has promoted mining as a key sector for diversifying the economy away from crude oil dependence.
Nigeria possesses commercially viable deposits of gold, lithium, limestone, tin, and other strategic minerals attracting global investors.
However, illegal operators continue to exploit weak monitoring systems and remote mining locations across several states.
Alake said the ongoing enforcement campaign would continue as authorities work to restore order to the sector.
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