Recent operations against illegal mining in Nasarawa State, including arrests of multiple suspects, form part of the federal government's efforts to regulate Nigeria's solid minerals sector. Challenges persist, but the Tinubu administration has introduced measures like enhanced security and investment incentives aimed at sustainable development benefiting communities and the economy.

Illegal mining continues to affect Nasarawa's lithium-rich areas, such as Pasali near the Federal Capital Territory.

International reports have documented children as young as six working in hazardous conditions, often earning less than a dollar daily instead of attending school . A local teacher, Sule Dantini, reported school attendance dropping sharply from 300 to just three pupils as families sought mining income—a stark illustration of the social toll .

The Tinubu administration launched the Mining Marshals in 2024 under Minister Dele Alake to target illegal activities. In a major operation in early April 2025, the Mining Marshals dismantled a heavily fortified illegal mining site in Rafin-Gabas community, Kokona Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, arresting three foreign nationals . According to Segun Tomori, media aide to the Minister, the suspects were caught mining fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin without legal authorization, and admitted to conducting illicit activities at the site—which spans five cadastral units—since December 2021 . The site had long evaded law enforcement and was reportedly protected by compromised security personnel, with several other suspects fleeing during the raid, allegedly with the help of security operatives . Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja, confirmed that a manhunt is ongoing for the fugitives, and investigations are underway to identify complicit officials.

The company behind the illegal operations, along with some fleeing suspects, already have pending criminal charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja .

By early 2025, the Mining Marshals had arrested 327 suspects nationwide and prosecuted 143 . The approach also promotes regulated investments alongside enforcement.

Processing plants are active in Nasarawa, including Avatar New Energy Materials' facility with a 4,000 metric tonnes daily capacity, commissioned in 2024. Canmax Technologies committed over $200 million for further infrastructure. These steps support job creation, local processing, and economic value addition.

Concerns remain, including recent reports from KAMA community of water contamination and fevers linked to mining activities. Avatar's PR manager, Benny Modey, described some claims as unfounded while committing to dialogue.

Meanwhile, Sawadogo Nig Enterprises Ltd partnered with Nasarawa State in Uke to provide solar streetlights, boreholes, and ₦2 million in medicines to a health center.

The sector holds potential under regulated frameworks. Minister Alake has stressed that mining should respect the environment and support host communities. Ongoing enforcement signals a shift from past impunity, though community and environmental issues require sustained attention. Nasarawa's case reflects broader efforts to balance regulation, investment, and local welfare amid long-standing problems.