NSCDC Mining Marshals Arrest Two Suspects Over Alleged Illegal Gold Mining in Abuja
NSCDC Mining Marshals Arrest Two Suspects Over Alleged Illegal Gold Mining in Abuja
NSCDC Mining Marshals Arrest Two Suspects Over Alleged Illegal Gold Mining in Abuja
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have arrested two suspects over alleged illegal gold mining activities in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The arrests 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 Mining Marshals unit conducted an operation at the location and apprehended the suspects at an active gold extraction site.
Preliminary investigations indicated that mining activities were allegedly being carried out 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 also comes amid concerns over the environmental and security implications of unregulated mining activities in the area, with residents reportedly raising concerns about the impact of mining on the surrounding environment.
The suspects are currently assisting with investigations, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other persons who may be connected to the alleged operation.
Investigators are also examining the activities at the site and the extent of possible violations under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
Speaking on the operation, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Onoja Attah, reaffirmed 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 deploy intelligence-led operations, surveillance, investigations and prosecution to disrupt illegal mining networks across the country.
He stressed that no part of Nigeria would be allowed to become a safe haven for illegal miners, adding that operators in the mining sector must comply with existing laws and regulations.
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 operation is in line with the directive of the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, to intensify the fight against illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage affecting Nigeria’s national assets.
Under Audi’s leadership, the Corps has strengthened inter-agency collaboration, improved operational intelligence and intensified enforcement efforts aimed at promoting accountability and protecting investments in the solid minerals sector.
The latest arrests form part of the NSCDC Mining Marshals’ ongoing nationwide campaign to curb illegal mineral exploitation, protect communities from the environmental consequences of unlawful mining and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s mining laws.
NSCDC Mining Marshals Arrest Two Suspects Over Alleged Illegal Gold Mining in Abuja
