The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have intensified their nationwide campaign against illegal mining, uncovering an alleged illegal gold mining operation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and arresting two suspects.
The suspects were apprehended during an enforcement operation at an active gold extraction site in Gwagwalada Area Council following credible intelligence and a petition alleging unlawful mining activities within the coordinates of a valid exploration licence.
According to the NSCDC in a statement on Tuesday, preliminary investigations revealed that mining activities were allegedly being carried out outside the boundaries of an approved mineral title area, raising concerns over regulatory violations and the unauthorised exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.
The operation is also seen as a response to growing concerns over environmental degradation and security threats associated with illegal mining activities in the area.
Residents had reportedly raised concerns about the impact of unregulated mining operations, prompting increased scrutiny by relevant authorities.
The arrested suspects are currently assisting investigators, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the operation.
Investigators are also examining the extent of possible violations under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
Speaking on the development, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah, said the operation demonstrated the Corps’ commitment to sanitising the mining sector and protecting legitimate mineral title holders from encroachment, environmental abuse and economic sabotage.
Attah stated that the Mining Marshals would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations, surveillance, investigations and prosecutions to dismantle criminal networks operating within the mining sector.
He stressed that no part of the country would serve as a safe haven for illegal miners, adding that the specialised unit remained prepared to respond swiftly to reports of unlawful mining activities wherever they occur.
According to him, ongoing enforcement operations are aimed at ensuring compliance with mining regulations while holding violators accountable under the law.
The commander warned that individuals and groups involved in illegal mining would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with relevant laws, noting that the Marshals remain determined to disrupt illegal mining networks nationwide.
The NSCDC said the operation aligns with the directive of its Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, to intensify efforts against illegal mining and other forms of economic sabotage threatening the country’s resources.
The Corps added that it has strengthened intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and enforcement actions to restore order, accountability and investor confidence in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.