By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Illegal gold mine used to illustrate the story |
The Federal Government has launched a decisive crackdown on an illegal gold mining operation in the heart of the nation's capital. Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has ordered the elite Mining Marshals to immediately shut down and secure an illicit site in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
This bold move underscores the government's intensified campaign to sanitize the mining sector and prevent severe environmental damage.
The illegal activity came to light after reports confirmed that artisanal miners had flooded a local farmland behind Christ the King College (CKC) in Gwagwalada. Shockingly, the gold vein was discovered accidentally by individuals digging a soakaway pit near a residential property, triggering an unauthorized rush. Minister Alake, upon receiving intelligence, immediately deployed federal marshals to the site to halt all operations and secure the area.
This incident is part of a broader enforcement surge within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Mining Marshals had previously sealed another illegal quarry in Kuje on July 31st, arresting 13 suspects. Just weeks later, on August 16th, they shut down a separate mining site in the District 2 Extension layout of Gwagwalada, apprehending 16 individuals who now face prosecution.
With 24-hour surveillance now in place at the affected sites, the government has issued a public safety warning. Residents of Gwagwalada are urged to avoid these areas due to the significant public health and environmental hazards posed by the unregulated excavations. The Ministry is conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the root cause of these security lapses and prevent future occurrences.
Reiterating the government's commitment, Minister Alake announced the fast-tracking of advanced satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining activities across Nigeria. This initiative aims to significantly strengthen enforcement capabilities and firmly reposition the solid minerals sector as a pillar of sustainable national development.