Nigeria Arrests Over 327 in Illegal Mining Crackdown

In a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining activities, over 327 individuals have been arrested, including foreign nationals, according to Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to tighten enforcement in the solid minerals sector, which has faced increased scrutiny due to security concerns linked to illegal mining activities.

Alake stated that the crackdown is a response to the potential links between illegal mining and broader security threats, including terrorism. The Nigerian government has intensified its efforts to prosecute illegal miners, with 142 suspects currently facing prosecution and approximately 3,000 mining licenses revoked.

President Bola Tinubu has previously warned that illegal mining poses risks to economic development and regional security. The solid minerals sector's revenue is projected to rise from $6 billion in 2023 to $70 billion by December 2025, reflecting significant growth attributed to reforms under Tinubu's administration.

Alake urged stakeholders to support efforts for transparency and sustainable development in the mining industry.