The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has ordered mining marshals to seal an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declaring that the Federal Government will no longer condone unlawful mining activities.
“Illegal mining will not be tolerated anywhere in this country. We are committed to eradicating it and safeguarding our environment and communities,” Alake warned.
His directive came after intelligence reports revealed fresh illegal operations on farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada, where artisanal miners reportedly invaded following the accidental discovery of a gold vein during the digging of a soakaway pit.
The minister’s action follows a similar operation on August 16, 2025, when mining marshals sealed another site in the District 2 Extension layout, Gwagwalada, leading to the arrest of 16 suspects now awaiting prosecution.
During an on-the-spot assessment of the latest sealed site on Wednesday, officials of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development led by the Director of Mines Inspectorate, represented by Deputy Director Sunday Okhuoya, confirmed full compliance with the order. Okhuoya added that thorough investigations are underway to forestall further breaches.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, disclosed that his team had mounted 24-hour surveillance on both affected sites pending the conclusion of the Federal Government’s inquiry.
Dr. Alake also advised residents to avoid the locations due to potential environmental and health risks, while assuring that the Ministry is fast-tracking the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to strengthen monitoring and enforcement across Nigeria’s mining sector.
