The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has disclosed that foreign nationals arrested for alleged illegal mining and suspected terrorism links have been handed over to the Office of the National Security Adviser for further investigation.
Alake made the disclosure on Friday while speaking with journalists at an event in Abuja, following claims by some United States lawmakers linking illegal Chinese mining activities in Nigeria to terrorism financing.
The minister did not reveal the exact number of foreign nationals transferred to the NSA’s office, but stated that more than 327 suspects, including foreigners, had been arrested for illegal mining activities across the country.
According to him, about 142 of those arrested are currently facing prosecution, while nearly 3,000 mining licences have been revoked as part of efforts to sanitise the sector.
Alake attributed the achievements recorded in the mining sector to the reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He noted that revenue generated from the solid minerals sector increased from ₦6 billion in 2023 to over ₦70 billion by December 2025.
The minister expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms by the Tinubu administration would address long-standing corruption and institutional weaknesses in the country.
He also urged stakeholders and operators in the solid minerals sector to demonstrate patriotism and social responsibility in order to further develop the industry.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu had earlier warned that the continued illegal exploitation of mineral resources poses a serious threat to regional stability in West Africa.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at a regional anti-corruption meeting, the president called for resource theft and illegal mining to be treated as international crimes.
