Pix: Onoja John Attah, Commander, NSCDC Special Mining Marshals

In response to reports of illegal gold mining activities in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has directed mining marshals to seal off the unauthorized sites to prevent further environmental damage.

This directive follows a recent operation conducted on August 16, 2025, which resulted in the closure of an illegal mining site in the District 2 Extension layout of Gwagwalada. Sixteen suspects arrested during the operation are set to face prosecution.

Initial investigations indicate that illegal artisanal miners invaded the area after discovering a gold vein while digging a soakaway pit near a residential property. The latest incident occurred on farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada.

Acting swiftly on intelligence reports of renewed illegal mining, Dr. Alake ordered the immediate deployment of mining marshals to secure the site.

During a site inspection on Wednesday, Ministry officials, led by the Director of Mines Inspectorate’s Deputy Director, Sunday Okhuoya, expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance following the Minister’s directive. They revealed that a thorough investigation is underway to identify the root causes of these illegal activities and to recommend preventative measures.

Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals, confirmed that his team has established 24-hour surveillance over the affected sites pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s ongoing inquiry.

Given the environmental and public health risks posed by these illegal mining operations, the Ministry has advised residents to avoid the affected areas while enforcement and remediation efforts continue.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to combating illegal mining nationwide, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development announced plans to expedite the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining activities and bolster enforcement capabilities across the country.