Authorities in Nigeria have arrested three Chinese nationals and two Nigerians in Nasarawa State.

This operation was conducted by the Federal Government's mining

marshals at an unauthorized mining site located in Rafin-Gabas, Agwada, within the Kokona Local Government Area.

The suspects were found extracting valuable minerals such as fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin without the necessary legal permits.

Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "The company defied all lawful advice to regularise their activities and continued syphoning the nation’s resources, causing significant revenue losses to the Federal Government."

He further highlighted that this arrest is part of a broader initiative to reform the mining sector, with over 200 illegal miners apprehended nationwide and about 140 currently facing prosecution.