The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has ordered the immediate closure of an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The directive, announced on Wednesday in Abuja through his media aide, Segun Tomori, followed reports of illegal activities in the area and government’s determination to curb environmental hazards linked to unregulated mining.
Alake said the move came after an earlier operation on August 16, when Mining Marshals sealed a site at the District 2 Extension Layout, Gwagwalada, where 16 suspects were arrested and are set for prosecution. On July 31, another illegal quarry in Kuje Area Council was also shut down, with 13 suspects apprehended.
Preliminary investigations revealed that artisanal miners invaded the Gwagwalada site after a gold vein was accidentally discovered during the digging of a soakaway pit near a residential property. The most recent activities, he said, occurred on farmland behind Christ the King College (CKC), Gwagwalada.
“Upon receiving reports of renewed illegal mining, I directed the immediate deployment of marshals to secure the site,” Alake stated, noting that ministry officials who inspected the area confirmed compliance with the directive.
The Minister disclosed that relevant departments had launched a thorough investigation to establish the causes of the incidents and recommend preventive measures.
Mining Marshals Commander, ACC John Onoja, confirmed that his team had mounted 24-hour surveillance on the affected sites pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s inquiry.
Alake warned residents to steer clear of the areas, citing environmental and public health risks. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and repositioning the sector, adding:
“The ministry is fast-tracking the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining operations nationwide and strengthen enforcement capacity.”
