Mining Marshals Seal Illegal Quarry in Abuja, Arrest 13 Suspects
The Mining Marshals Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has shut down an illegal quarry site operating in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Thirteen individuals linked to the illicit operation have been arrested and charged to court, pending their formal arraignment.
The clampdown, part of the Federal Government’s nationwide effort to sanitise the mining sector and protect critical national assets, is the latest in a series of enforcement actions against unlicensed mining activities across Nigeria.
According to the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, the suspects were allegedly working for a company that unlawfully occupied and exploited a quarry lease belonging to another licensed operator for over seven months.
“This operation underscores our zero tolerance for illegality in the Nigerian mining sector,” Onoja said. “We will not allow any individual or company to take the law into their own hands or deprive legitimate operators of their lawful rights.”
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The Mining Marshals, a specialised NSCDC unit recently established to combat illegal mining, have been tasked with enforcing mining regulations, ensuring compliance with environmental standards, and safeguarding the sector from activities that cause revenue loss, environmental damage, and community unrest.
The shutdown of the Kuje quarry follows growing concerns over the proliferation of unlicensed mining sites, especially in remote and peri-urban areas where regulatory oversight has been weak. The site reportedly operated without proper documentation, safety measures, or environmental safeguards—posing threats to both the environment and public safety.
ACC Onoja warned all mining operators to adhere strictly to mining and environmental laws or face the full weight of the law. “Let this serve as a warning to all illegal operators: the era of impunity in the mining sector is over. We will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute all violators, no matter how remote their operations are,” he said.
The arrested suspects remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned in the coming days as investigations continue.
The NSCDC, under the leadership of Commandant General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has reiterated its commitment to restoring order, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s mining industry as part of the broader national agenda to diversify the economy and strengthen internal security.
By PRNigeria
