The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have uncovered an illegal gold mining operation in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), arresting two suspects in the process.
The suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence and a formal petition alleging illegal mining within the coordinates of a valid exploration licence. Operatives of the specialised enforcement unit stormed the location and arrested the suspects while they were allegedly engaged in active gold extraction.
Preliminary investigations by the Mining Marshals reportedly revealed that the suspects were operating outside the boundaries of an approved mineral title area, in violation of Nigeria’s mining regulations. The agency said the activities also posed environmental and security risks to the affected community.
Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, ACC John Onoja Attah, said the suspects were assisting investigators, while efforts were ongoing to identify other persons connected to the operation. He warned that individuals involved in illegal mining would be tracked, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Attah said the operation was in line with the directive of the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, on zero tolerance for illegal mining and economic sabotage. He added that the Corps would continue to intensify intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and critical assets.
