The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said on Friday that foreign nationals arrested for illegal mining activities, alongside suspects linked to security-related offences, have been transferred to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for further investigation.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Alake disclosed that the nationwide crackdown on illegal mining has led to the arrest of more than 327 individuals, including foreign nationals.

He said the suspects were handed over to a higher security authority due to the sensitive nature of allegations connected to their activities.

“Foreign nationals arrested for illegal mining activities and suspected links to terrorism have been handed over to the Office of the National Security Adviser for further investigation,” Alake said.

He added that enforcement operations across the country have been intensified, resulting in hundreds of arrests and ongoing legal actions.

“More than 327 individuals, including foreign nationals, have been arrested for illegal mining across the country,” he noted.

According to him, 142 suspects are currently facing prosecution, while about 3,000 mining licences have been revoked as part of regulatory reforms in the sector.

“About 142 suspects are currently facing prosecution, while approximately 3,000 mining licences have been revoked,” he said.