NSCDC Busts Illegal Gold Mining Site in Abuja, Arrests Two Suspects

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have uncovered an alleged illegal gold mining operation in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and arrested two suspects.

The operation followed what the NSCDC described as credible intelligence and a petition alleging that mining activities were being carried out within the coordinates of a valid exploration licence.

A specialised enforcement team was deployed to the location, where the two suspects were apprehended at what the NSCDC described as an active gold extraction site.

Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that mining activities were being conducted outside the boundaries of an approved mineral title area. The agency said this raised concerns about possible regulatory violations and unauthorised exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

The NSCDC also linked the alleged activities to concerns about environmental degradation and security risks in the area. Residents had reportedly raised concerns about the effects of unregulated mining operations in the vicinity.

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 extent of possible violations under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja Attah, warned that illegal miners would not be allowed to operate freely anywhere in the country. He said the enforcement campaign was aimed at ensuring compliance with mining laws and protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources.

Attah said the operation was in line with the directive of NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi to intensify the fight against illegal mining and other activities considered economic threats to the country.

He added that individuals and groups found to be involved in illegal mining would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while the Mining Marshals would continue operations against alleged illegal mining networks across Nigeria.