The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have uncovered an alleged illegal gold mining operation in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and arrested 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 tip-off, operatives of the specialised enforcement unit were deployed to the location, where the suspects were apprehended at an active gold extraction site.
Preliminary investigations by the Mining Marshals indicated that the mining activities were allegedly being carried out outside the boundaries of an approved mineral title area. This raised serious concerns over possible regulatory violations and the unauthorised exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.
The illegal operations also sparked worries about environmental degradation and security threats in the area. Residents had earlier complained about the impact of unregulated mining activities in the vicinity.
The two suspects are currently assisting investigators. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly connected to the operation. Investigators are also examining the full circumstances surrounding the activities at the site and the extent of possible infractions under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, said the operation demonstrates the Corps’ commitment to sanitising the mining sector and protecting legitimate mineral title holders from encroachment, environmental abuse, and economic sabotage.
He warned that no part of the country will serve as a safe haven for illegal miners. Attah stressed that ongoing enforcement operations are designed to ensure that compliance with the law becomes the only sustainable path for operators in the mining sector, while violators face the full weight of the law.
