Two arrested as NSCDC busts illegal gold mining site in Abuja

By Ayox Ojo

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

NSCDC, in a statement on Tuesday said the suspects were apprehended at the 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.

The Corps said preliminary investigations revealed that activities at the site were 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.

It added that the development was also significant in view of concerns over the environmental and security consequences associated with unregulated mining activities.

According to NSCDC, Residents in the area had raised concerns over the impact of the operations, prompting increased scrutiny by relevant authorities.

It added that the two arrested suspects are currently assisting investigators, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly connected to the operation.

NSDC added that circumstances surrounding the mining activities are being investigated to determine the extent of possible violations of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

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.

According to him, 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.

Attah also 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.

He reiterated that the ongoing enforcement campaign against illegal mining across the country is aimed at ensuring compliance with extant mining laws while ensuring that those who violate the law face appropriate legal consequences.

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

The NSCDC added that the operations were in line with the directive of its Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi to intensify the fight against illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage threatening the country’s national assets.

It noted that under Audi’s leadership, NSCDC has 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.