The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals have uncovered an alleged illegal gold mining operation in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and arrested two suspects in a decisive enforcement action.
The NSCDC said the operation, carried out in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, followed credible intelligence and a petition alleging unlawful mining activities within the coordinates of a valid exploration licence.
The Mining Marshals, in a statement, said a specialised enforcement unit was deployed to the location where the suspects were apprehended at the active gold extraction site.
The statement said preliminary investigations revealed that mining activities were allegedly being conducted outside the boundaries of an approved mineral title area, raising concerns over regulatory violations and unauthorised exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.
It said the illegal mining activities raised concerns over environmental degradation and security threats in the area, noting that residents had earlier raised concerns over the impact of unregulated mining operations around the vicinty.
“The suspects are currently assisting investigators, while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the operation. Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the activities at the site and the extent of possible infractions under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act,” the statement read.
Speaking on the development, Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja Attah, said warned that no part of the country will serve as a safe haven for illegal miners.
He 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.
“The latest operation aligns with the vision and firm directive of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, 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 Nigeria’s national assets.
“Under his leadership, the Corps has strengthened inter-agency collaboration, enhanced operational intelligence and intensified enforcement actions aimed at restoring order, accountability and investor confidence in the solid minerals sector,” he said
Attah warned that individuals or groups involved in illegal mining activities would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that the Mining Marshals remain resolute in disrupting and dismantling illegal mining networks across the country.
