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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said on Friday in Abuja that 327 people, including foreign nationals, have been arrested across Nigeria in a nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, with some suspects transferred to the Office of the National Security Adviser for investigation over alleged security-related links.
He said the move is part of efforts to tighten enforcement in the solid minerals sector amid rising concerns over illegal mining and its security implications.
Alake said foreign suspects linked to illegal mining and possible security issues were handed over to the NSA for deeper investigation.
He added that about 142 suspects are currently facing prosecution, while around 3,000 mining licences have been revoked as part of regulatory reforms.
According to him, the crackdown has boosted sector revenue, which rose from about ₦6 billion in 2023 to over ₦70 billion by December 2025.
The minister said the reforms are aimed at improving transparency, boosting revenue and strengthening security in Nigeria’s mining sector.
