Mining Marshals Bust Alleged Illegal Gold Mining Site in Abuja, Arrest Two
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have intensified their nationwide offensive against illegal mining activities, uncovering an alleged illegal gold mining operation in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory and arresting two suspects.
The operation followed credible intelligence and a petition alleging unlawful mining activities within the coordinates of a valid exploration licence. Acting on the information, operatives of the specialised enforcement unit moved to the location, where the suspects were apprehended at an active gold extraction site.
Preliminary investigations indicated that mining activities were allegedly being carried out outside the boundaries of an approved mineral title area, raising concerns over possible violations of mining regulations and unauthorised exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The operation also comes amid growing concerns over the environmental and security implications of illegal mining in the area, with residents reportedly raising alarm over the effects of unregulated mining activities.
The two suspects are currently assisting investigators, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly connected to the operation. Authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding the activities at the site and the extent of possible violations under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Onoja Attah, said the operation underscored the Corps’ determination to sanitise the mining sector and protect legitimate mineral title holders from encroachment, environmental abuse and economic sabotage.
Attah said the Mining Marshals would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations, surveillance, investigations and prosecutions to disrupt criminal networks operating within the mining sector.
He warned that no part of the country would serve as a safe haven for illegal miners, stressing that the unit would continue to respond swiftly to credible reports of unlawful mining activities.
According to him, the ongoing enforcement drive is aimed at ensuring that compliance with Nigeria’s mining laws becomes the only sustainable path for operators, while those who violate the law would face appropriate sanctions.
The latest operation is in line with the directive of the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, that no stone should be left unturned in the fight against illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage threatening the nation’s natural resources.
Under Audi’s leadership, the Corps has strengthened inter-agency collaboration, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations aimed at restoring order, accountability and investor confidence in the solid minerals sector.
Attah further warned individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining that they would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Abuja operation mark another step in the NSCDC Mining Marshals’ ongoing nationwide campaign to curb illegal mineral exploitation, protect communities from the environmental consequences of unlawful mining and safeguard Nigeria’s mineral resources.
