Clashes broke out between mine security officers and security forces deployed to curb illegal mining activities across the country over the attempted arrest of Chinese nationals allegedly engaged in unlicensed lithium mining in Libata, Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, last Friday.
The security officers said they were prevented from arresting the suspects by military and police officers who were reportedly on the scene to protect the Chinese miners.
The security officers, led by Commander Attah Onoja, were conducting a covert operation aimed at arresting the unlicensed miners and confiscating their equipment.
The security officers were preparing to transport the suspects to Abuja when they received orders from security forces to call off the arrests. To avoid further escalation, Onoja withdrew his team and vowed to take legal action to ensure enforcement of legal mining practices in the area.
The Federal Government recently launched the “Mine Sheriff” initiative under the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The programme is aimed at addressing the growing problem of illegal mining across the country.
Adam Tarr, CEO of El Tardam Exploration Company, reportedly claims that Chinese companies, with the support of local security forces, are conducting unlicensed mining activities, thwarting his company’s plans to operate in the area to build a $50 million processing plant.
Tarr claimed that the illegal activities are not only exploiting valuable resources but also preventing his company from creating jobs for over 3,000 people locally. He called for immediate intervention to remove the alleged squatters and resume legal operations.
“The Chinese want to thwart our efforts to build a processing plant there because they are illegally mining, exploiting and transporting countless raw materials there.
They also receive strong support from some state actors as the relevant complaints sent to them have yet to be answered.
Undoubtedly, other local groups and influential figures are behind their illegal activities,” Tha explained.