Hyacinth Chinweuba
A suspect arrested by Police in Zamfara for illegal mining has revealed that Chinese, Koreans and Bukinabe nationals are engaging in illicit mining activities in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command CP Usman Nagogo on Monday 20th April, 2020, led a Special Taskforce team to KWALI mining sites in Bukkuyum LGA.
According to SP Mohammed Shehu, spokesman of the Command, the mining sites were raided following an intelligence report that illegal miners were still operating at the site despite several warnings by the Police Command.
Shehu said two labourers Hamisu Umar and Dahiru Mohammed were arrested at the site, while others escaped into the forest.
“One of the Suspect Hamisu Umar confirmed the presence of foreign Nationals such as Chinese, Koreans and Bulkinabe working in collaboration with Nigerians. But they were not met during the raid Operation today.” the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, the suspects are assisting the police with vital information that could lead to arrest of their leaders.
Some of the tools used for the illegal mining were recovered as exhibits. However, a combined team of Police Mobile and Counter Terrorism Unit have been deployed to takeover the site to forestall further illegal mining activities.
The Commissioner of Police therefore called on members of the public to obey government directives and that anybody who goes against the laws of the land will be dealt with squarely.