NSCDC busts alleged illegal gold mining site in Abuja, arrests two

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have arrested two suspects and uncovered an alleged illegal gold mining operation in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

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 by the Mining Marshals indicated that mining activities were allegedly being carried out outside the boundaries of an approved mineral title area, raising concerns over possible regulatory violations and unauthorised exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.

The operation also followed concerns over environmental degradation and security threats associated with illegal mining activities in the area.

Residents had reportedly raised concerns over the impact of unregulated mining operations, prompting closer scrutiny by the relevant authorities.

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 circumstances surrounding the activities at the site and the extent of possible violations under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

Speaking on the development, the 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.

Attah said the Mining Marshals would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations, surveillance and investigations aimed at tackling illegal mining activities across the country.

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He added that no part of the country would serve as a safe haven for illegal miners, stressing that the unit would respond to reports of illegal mining activities.

According to him, the ongoing enforcement operations are aimed at ensuring compliance with the law by operators in the mining sector, while offenders would face prosecution in accordance with the law.

The latest operation is in line with the directive of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, that the Corps should intensify efforts against illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage.

Under Audi’s leadership, the Corps has strengthened inter-agency collaboration, intelligence gathering and enforcement operations aimed at tackling illegal mining and promoting accountability in the solid minerals sector.

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

He said the Mining Marshals remained committed to disrupting illegal mining networks, protecting mineral resources and ensuring compliance with mining regulations across the country.