Wednesday, September 16, 2026 -The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals have uncovered an alleged illegal gold mining operation in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and arrested two suspects in a decisive enforcement action.
The NSCDC said the operation, carried out in Gwagwalada Area
Council of the FCT, followed credible intelligence and a petition alleging
unlawful mining activities within the coordinates of a valid exploration
licence.
The Mining Marshals, in a statement, said a specialised
enforcement unit was deployed to the location where the suspects were
apprehended at the active gold extraction site.
The statement said preliminary investigations revealed that
mining activities were allegedly being conducted outside the boundaries of an
approved mineral title area, raising concerns over regulatory violations and
unauthorised exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.
It said the illegal mining activities raised concerns over
environmental degradation and security threats in the area, noting that
residents had earlier raised concerns over the impact of unregulated mining
operations around the vicinty.
“The suspects are currently assisting investigators, while
efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to
the operation. Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding
the activities at the site and the extent of possible infractions under the
Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act,” the statement read.
Speaking on the development, Commander of the Mining
Marshals, John Onoja Attah, said warned that no part of the country will serve
as a safe haven for illegal miners.
He stressed that ongoing enforcement operations are designed
to ensure that compliance with the law becomes the only sustainable path for
operators in the mining sector, while violators face the full weight of the
law.
“The latest operation aligns with the vision and firm
directive of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi,
mni, OFR, that no stone should be left unturned in the fight against illegal
mining and other forms of economic sabotage threatening Nigeria’s national
assets.
“Under his leadership, the Corps has strengthened
inter-agency collaboration, enhanced operational intelligence and intensified
enforcement actions aimed at restoring order, accountability and investor
confidence in the solid minerals sector,” he said
Attah warned that individuals or groups involved in illegal
mining activities would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in
accordance with the law, stressing that the Mining Marshals remain resolute in
disrupting and dismantling illegal mining networks across the country.
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