The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has directed mining marshals to seal an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, to avert potential environmental hazards.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori, on Wednesday.
This follows an earlier operation on August 16, 2025, which led to the recovery and sealing of another site around the District 2 Extension layout in Gwagwalada, where 16 suspects were arrested.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects will be prosecuted soon.
He said, “Following reports of illegal gold mining in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has directed the mining marshals to seal off the site to mitigate potential environmental hazards.”
Preliminary findings revealed that artisanal miners invaded the Gwagwalada area after a gold vein was accidentally discovered during the digging of a soakaway pit near a residential property.
The latest incident occurred on farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada.
Upon receiving intelligence on renewed unlawful mining activity, “Alake promptly ordered the deployment of mining marshals to secure the site,” the statement read.
During an on-the-spot assessment on Wednesday, officials of the ministry led by the Director of Mines Inspectorate, represented by the Deputy Director, Sunday Okhuoya, “expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance with the minister’s directive, disclosing that relevant departments of the ministry have launched a thorough investigation to unravel the root of these incidents whilst recommending measures to prevent a recurrence.”
Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja, confirmed that “his team has established 24-hour surveillance over both affected sites, pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s ongoing inquiry.”
Alake, cautioning residents to steer clear of the areas, reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to eradicate illegal mining activities nationwide.
He also disclosed that the ministry was fast-tracking the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining operations and strengthen enforcement capacity.
