The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Usman Nagogo, has disclosed that foreign nationals such as Chinese, Koreans and Burkinabes are working in collaboration with Nigerians to carry out illegal mining activities in the state.
Recall that in April 2019, the Federal Government had ordered foreign miners to vacate mining sites in the state and its environs with immediate effect.
The Federal Government had also announced the suspension of mining activities in the state so as to curtail the activities of the armed banditry in the state.
Leading a team of security operatives in a raid to Kwali mining site in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of the state on Monday, Mr Nagogo said the measure was in line with the Federal Government’s directives.
“You know, the federal government has given the mandate to the security agents to enforce the order.
“This followed an intelligence report that illegal miners were still operating at the site despite several warnings by the command,’’ the commissioner said.
Mr Nagogo said two labourers, Hamisu Umar and Dahiru Mohammed, were arrested at the site, while others escaped into the forest.
“One of the suspects, Hamisu Umar, confirmed the presence of foreign nationals such as Chinese, Koreans and Burkinabes working in collaboration with Nigerians but they were not met during the raid.
“The suspects are assisting the police with vital information that could lead to the arrest of their leaders,’’ he said.
According to the commissioner, some of the tools used for illegal mining were recovered as exhibits.
He said a combined team of Police Mobile and Counter-Terrorism Unit had been deployed to take over the site to forestall further illegal mining activities.
He called on the public to obey government directives as anybody who goes against the laws of the land would be dealt with squarely.
NAN
