The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to deport 14 Chinese nationals accused of aiding terrorism within the country. The move comes after security investigations linked the individuals to activities that allegedly involved supplying illegal mining operations in regions plagued by terrorism.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, revealed this development during a media briefing in Abuja. He stated that these Chinese citizens were discovered to be involved in unauthorized mining operations, which are believed to finance terrorist activities in parts of the country. According to Alake, illegal mining has significantly contributed to the growing security crisis, especially in areas affected by banditry and insurgency.
He explained that the collaboration between security agencies and the Ministry of Solid Minerals led to the arrest of the suspects. These efforts are part of a wider clampdown on illegal mining activities and their connection to national insecurity. Alake emphasized that the government will not tolerate foreign nationals who exploit Nigeria’s resources at the expense of national peace and security.
The minister added that following due legal processes, the Chinese suspects would be deported, and their mining licenses revoked. He also stressed that Nigeria is committed to sanitizing the mining sector and ensuring it contributes positively to national development without enabling criminal networks.
