Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Onoja John Attah,

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Special Mining Marshals have successfully repelled an incursion by illegal miners at a gold mining field in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The swift intervention, which took place last Tuesday, led to multiple arrests and the tightening of security around the mining site.

Reliable sources confirmed that the operation was led by Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Onoja John Attah, who mobilized his team after intelligence pointed to suspicious movements around the gold-rich location. The rapid response thwarted what was believed to be a coordinated attempt by illegal miners to gain control of the field.

Several suspects were apprehended during the raid, according to security sources familiar with the development. The arrested individuals, mostly adult males, were reportedly found in possession of mining implements, including shovels, diggers, and locally fabricated explosives. Early findings suggest they were mobilized from neighboring states to exploit the site unlawfully.

The Gwagwalada axis has increasingly become a target for illegal miners, largely due to confirmed deposits of gold and other precious minerals. Reliable accounts warn that such illicit operations not only deprive the nation of revenue but also contribute to environmental destruction and could potentially fund criminal activities.

Security analysts described Tuesday’s arrests as a significant milestone in the battle against illegal mining. They noted that the Special Mining Marshals, a unit of the NSCDC mandated to protect mineral resources, have intensified operations nationwide as part of broader measures to secure Nigeria’s natural wealth.

Further deployments have since been made to the Gwagwalada site. Security insiders revealed that more operatives are now stationed permanently around the gold field, with additional patrols and aerial monitoring introduced to ward off future incursions.

Community members in Gwagwalada welcomed the intervention, describing the incident as a much-needed relief. Local leaders said illegal mining activities had previously triggered violence among rival groups and heightened insecurity in the area. They called on authorities to sustain pressure on the cartels and channel mineral resources through legal frameworks.

The arrested suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Sources within the Corps said the individuals will be profiled and handed over for prosecution once investigations are complete. They face potential charges under existing mining and environmental protection laws.

With the successful operation in Gwagwalada, the NSCDC has sent a strong message to illegal miners nationwide. Reliable sources reiterated the Corps’ warning: “Nigeria’s mineral wealth is a national asset, and anyone attempting to exploit it illegally will be met with the full weight of the law.”