Mining Marshals Arrest 2 Over Alleged Illegal Gold Mining In Abuja

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have arrested two suspects over alleged illegal gold mining at a site in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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 were deployed 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 the nation’s mineral resources.

The operation also followed concerns over the environmental and security implications of illegal mining in the area, with residents reportedly raising complaints about the impact of unregulated mining activities.

The suspects are assisting investigators, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly connected to the operation. Investigators are also examining the activities at the site and possible infractions under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

Speaking on the development, Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Onoja Attah, said the operation demonstrated the Corps’ commitment to sanitising the mining sector and protecting legitimate mineral title holders from encroachment, environmental abuse and economic sabotage.

He said the Mining Marshals would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations, surveillance, investigations and prosecutions to tackle illegal mining networks across the country.

Attah warned that individuals and groups involved in illegal mining would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He said the latest operation was in line with the directive of the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, to intensify the fight against illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage.

Attah added that the Corps had strengthened inter-agency collaboration and operational intelligence to improve enforcement and protect Nigeria’s mineral resources.

He said the Mining Marshals remained committed to disrupting illegal mineral exploitation, protecting communities from the environmental consequences of unlawful mining and ensuring compliance with mining regulations.