The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered mining marshals to shut down an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, to prevent possible environmental risks.
The directive was revealed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
This comes after a previous operation on August 16, 2025, during which another site around the District 2 Extension layout in Gwagwalada was sealed and 16 suspects were apprehended.
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Officials confirmed that the suspects will soon be charged to court.
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.”
Initial investigations showed that artisanal miners stormed the Gwagwalada area after a gold vein was accidentally uncovered while digging a soakaway pit close to a residential building.
The most recent incident took place on a farmland located 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 a field inspection on Wednesday, ministry officials, led by the Director of Mines Inspectorate and represented by 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.”
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja, disclosed that “his team has established 24-hour surveillance over both affected sites, pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s ongoing inquiry.”
Alake urged residents to keep clear of the sites, emphasizing the Federal Government’s resolve to stamp out illegal mining activities across the nation.
He further revealed that the ministry is expediting the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to oversee mining activities and enhance enforcement capabilities.
