In a sweeping crackdown against illegal mining operations, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed off an unauthorized quarry site operating in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The operation, carried out by the agency’s Mining Marshals unit, led to the arrest of 13 suspects.
According to a Thursday statement from Attah Onoja, the Assistant Commandant and head of the NSCDC’s Mining Marshals, the apprehended individuals had taken over the site without legal permission.
He noted that the quarry had been in use for over seven months, exploiting mineral resources without any valid license.
“This operation is part of our broader resolve to enforce mining regulations and ensure that only duly licensed operators are allowed to function,” Onoja declared.
He emphasized that the agency had been monitoring the site for several months and confirmed its lack of necessary approvals and safety protocols before moving in.
“The era of operating in the shadows is over. We will pursue offenders wherever they are and ensure they are brought to justice,” he said firmly.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals, a specialized unit created to combat the rampant growth of illegal mining across Nigeria, have intensified their nationwide efforts in recent months.
READ ALSO: PHOTOS: NSCDC Raids Illegal Sand Mining Site, Seizes Dredging Machines in Anambra
Their mandate includes protecting strategic assets and preventing environmental degradation often linked to unregulated excavation.
Illegal mining has become a serious concern for the federal government, with significant implications for national revenue and security.
The situation has prompted strong policy interventions from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
Last month, Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ending illegal mining despite resistance from entrenched interests.
“We will not bow to blackmail or sabotage from those profiting off the system. These reforms are non-negotiable,” Alake said in a public address.
The arrested suspects are expected to face prosecution as authorities move to send a clear message that flouting mining laws will not go unpunished.