The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arraigned 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before a competent court over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities across parts of the country.
The defendants were brought before the court following investigations and surveillance operations conducted by NSCDC operatives, who stated that the suspects were linked to unauthorised mineral extraction, environmental degradation, and breaches of Nigeria’s mining regulations.
According to the Corps, the prosecution forms part of sustained efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks that have continued to cause significant revenue loss and environmental damage in affected mining communities. The NSCDC reiterated its statutory responsibility to safeguard critical national assets and ensure strict compliance with mining laws and operational guidelines within the extractive sector.
The accused persons are facing multiple counts bordering on illegal mining and related offences. They were arraigned alongside Nigerian accomplices allegedly involved in facilitating and supporting the operations.
The court is expected to determine the next steps in the case after hearing submissions from both the prosecution and defence counsel. Authorities said the proceedings reflect an expanding crackdown on illegal mining syndicates involving both local and foreign participants.
Illegal mining has remained a persistent challenge in the country, undermining government revenue generation, damaging ecosystems, and disrupting livelihoods in mining communities. The NSCDC said stronger enforcement remains necessary to curb the trend and restore order in the sector.
The Corps further reaffirmed its commitment to sustained operations against illegal mining activities, urging full compliance with Nigeria’s mining laws and warning that offenders will continue to face prosecution in accordance with the law.
