Chinese nationals and Nigerian workers have been arrested over alleged illegal mining in Nasarawa State after security officers raided a site in Amba community, Kokona Local Government Area. The operation took place on Friday, 17 July 2026, as the state government stepped up enforcement against businesses accused of extracting mineral resources without proper approval.
Mining companies and individuals operating in Nasarawa have been told to ensure that they hold valid licences and comply with federal and state regulations. Residents have also been encouraged to report activities that may threaten local communities or lead to the unauthorised removal of mineral resources.
The raid was led by Nasarawa State Deputy Governor Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe. Danladi Jatau, Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, and other government officials were also present.
Officials said the enforcement operation formed part of the state government’s campaign against illegal mining and the unregulated exploitation of Nasarawa’s mineral deposits.
Security officers reportedly seized minerals packed inside cartons, closed-circuit television cameras and equipment believed to have been used at the site.
Deputy governor warns mining operators
Speaking during the operation, Akabe said the government could not ignore activities that allegedly breached mining regulations.
“As a responsible and responsive government, we cannot fold our arms while individuals pursue illegal ventures within our territory,” he said.
“The sanctity of the law must be respected, and every business enterprise must operate within the legal framework.”
The deputy governor said officials had previously issued instructions against unauthorised mining but alleged that those working at the location continued their activities.
He added that he joined the operation to obtain first-hand information and ensure that anyone found to have broken the law was brought before the appropriate authorities.
The Chinese nationals reportedly told officials through an interpreter that they had been working at the site since 2025. They claimed that they were carrying out instructions from employers based in Abuja.
The identities of the workers and their alleged employers were not immediately released. It was also unclear whether formal charges had been filed against those arrested.
Their statements have not been tested in court, and responsibility for any alleged offence will have to be determined through investigation and prosecution.
How mining licences work in Nigeria
Nigeria’s mineral resources are controlled by the Federal Government. A person or company must normally obtain the relevant mineral title before beginning exploration or extraction.
A mineral title is an official authorisation giving its holder permission to search for or extract specified resources within an approved area. Different licences apply to exploration, small-scale mining, quarrying and larger commercial operations.
Holding a business registration document does not automatically give a company permission to mine. Operators may also need environmental approval and must follow rules covering safety, land access and relations with host communities.
Illegal mining generally refers to the extraction or sale of minerals without lawful authority. It may also include working outside an approved location, breaching licence conditions or continuing after permission has expired or been withdrawn.
However, whether an operation is illegal depends on the evidence surrounding its licences, location and activities. Those arrested remain presumed innocent unless found guilty by a court.
Earlier lithium mining case in Nasarawa
The latest arrests came weeks after 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians were taken before the Federal High Court in Abuja over a separate allegation of illegal lithium mining in Nasarawa.
Prosecutors said the defendants in that case were arrested on 16 May in Kokona Local Government Area while allegedly mining lithium without lawful authority.
Court documents alleged that the work took place within an area covered by an exploration licence held by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Limited. All the defendants pleaded not guilty and were released to their lawyers pending the determination of the case.
There is no public evidence in the reports reviewed showing that the suspects in the earlier court case are the same people arrested during the latest raid.
Lithium is a light metal used in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Rising global demand has increased commercial interest in deposits found in parts of Nigeria.
Nigeria has been seeking investment in lithium and other solid minerals as the country tries to reduce its dependence on crude oil. New Daily Prime previously reported that Nigeria signed an agreement connected to a proposed $150 million lithium-ion battery processing and manufacturing facility.
Supporters say a properly regulated mining sector could create jobs, support manufacturing and generate government revenue. Unregulated operations, however, can expose workers to unsafe conditions, damage farmland and water supplies, and leave communities without a fair share of the value removed from their land.
New Daily Prime has also reported concerns that illegal mining and rapid tree loss could increase the danger of landslides in vulnerable parts of Nigeria. The Nasarawa Government has not yet announced when the detained workers will appear in court or whether further arrests are expected.
