By Jelili Gbadamosi
The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have uncovered an alleged illegal gold mining operation in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), arresting two suspects in the process.
The operation followed credible intelligence and a petition alleging that mining activities were being carried out within an area covered by a valid exploration licence.
According to the NSCDC, its specialised enforcement team moved to the site in Gwagwalada, where it found an active gold extraction operation and apprehended two suspects.
Preliminary findings indicated that the mining activities were allegedly taking place outside the boundaries of an approved mineral title area, potentially violating Nigeria’s mining regulations.
The Corps said the discovery had also raised environmental and security concerns, particularly over the impact of unregulated mining activities on the surrounding community.
The suspects, according to the NSCDC, are assisting investigators as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the operation and identify other individuals who may be connected to it.
Investigators are also examining the alleged infractions under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja Attah, said the latest enforcement action demonstrated the Corps’ determination to prevent illegal miners from exploiting the country’s mineral resources.
Attah warned that individuals and groups engaging in unauthorised mining would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in line with the law.
He said the operation was also in line with the directive of the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to intensify the fight against illegal mining and economic activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s national assets.
Attah added that the Mining Marshals would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to disrupt illegal mining networks and promote compliance in the solid minerals sector.
