The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has revealed that foreign nationals arrested for illegal mining and suspected terrorism-related activities have been transferred to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for further investigation.
Alake disclosed this on Friday while speaking to Channels Television during an event in Abuja. He was responding to concerns raised by some United States lawmakers alleging that illegal Chinese mining operations in Nigeria may be linked to the funding of terrorist activities.
Although the minister did not state the exact number of foreign suspects handed over to the NSA, he said security agencies have arrested more than 327 individuals involved in illegal mining activities, including several foreign nationals. According to him, about 142 suspects are currently facing prosecution, while nearly 3,000 mining licences have been revoked as part of the government’s crackdown on illegal mining.
Alake credited the progress recorded in the solid minerals sector to the reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu. He noted that government revenue from the sector rose significantly from ₦6 billion in 2023 to over ₦70 billion by December 2025.
The minister said the administration’s policies are gradually reversing years of corruption, weak regulation, and poor institutional oversight in the mining industry. He also urged stakeholders and operators in the sector to embrace integrity, responsibility, and national interest in order to further develop the industry.
Speaking on the broader implications of illegal mining, Alake referenced President Tinubu’s earlier warning that the looting of mineral resources poses a serious threat to stability across West Africa.
The president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, made the remarks during the Annual General Meeting of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa.
Tinubu stressed the need for regional and international collaboration to combat illegal mining and resource theft, describing such activities as crimes that threaten peace, security, and economic stability in West Africa.
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