NSCDC Mining Marshals Bust Illegal Gold Site in Abuja, Nab 2 Suspects
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), as the Corps intensifies its nationwide crackdown on unauthorised mineral exploitation.
The suspects were apprehended at an active gold extraction site following credible intelligence and a petition alleging that mining activities were being carried out within the coordinates of a valid exploration licence.
According to the NSCDC, preliminary investigations by the Mining Marshals indicated that the activities at the site were allegedly being conducted outside the boundaries of an approved mineral title area, raising concerns over possible violations of mining regulations and unauthorised exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The operation was conducted after the specialised enforcement unit received intelligence on the alleged activities and promptly deployed operatives to the location.
The Corps said the development was also significant in view of concerns over the environmental and security consequences associated with unregulated mining activities. Residents in the area had reportedly raised concerns over the impact of the operations, prompting increased scrutiny by relevant authorities.
The two suspects are currently 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 mining activities and determining the extent of possible violations under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
Read Also:
Speaking on the operation, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Onoja Attah, said the action 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 employ intelligence-led operations, surveillance, investigations and prosecution to disrupt criminal networks involved in illegal mining across the country.
He warned that no part of Nigeria would be allowed to become a safe haven for illegal miners, stressing that the unit would continue to respond swiftly to credible reports of unauthorised mining activities.
According to him, the ongoing enforcement campaign is aimed at ensuring compliance with extant mining laws while ensuring that those who violate the law face appropriate legal consequences.
The commander also warned individuals and groups involved in illegal mining that they would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The NSCDC said the operation was in line with the directive of its Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, to intensify the fight against illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage threatening the country’s national assets.
Under Audi’s leadership, the Corps said it had strengthened inter-agency collaboration, enhanced operational intelligence and intensified enforcement activities aimed at improving accountability and restoring investor confidence in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The latest operation forms part of the Mining Marshals’ broader campaign to curb illegal mineral exploitation, protect communities from the environmental consequences of unlawful mining and safeguard Nigeria’s mineral resources from unauthorised exploitation.
By PRNigeria
