The Federal Government has ordered the closure of an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said in a statement on Wednesday that he directed the Mining Marshals to seal off the site following reports of illegal activities and the government’s concern over potential environmental hazards.

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The move comes after a recent operation in which the marshals shut down another mining site at District 2 Extension, Gwagwalada, on August 16, where 16 suspects were arrested and are awaiting prosecution. Earlier, on July 31, an illegal quarry in Kuje was also sealed, with 13 suspects apprehended.

According to Alake, preliminary findings revealed that artisanal miners had 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 illegal activity was reported on farmland behind Christ the King College (CKC), Gwagwalada.

Upon receiving intelligence, the minister said he ordered immediate deployment of the marshals, who have since secured the area. Ministry officials who inspected the site confirmed compliance with the directive, while investigations are ongoing to determine the root causes and prevent future occurrences.

Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Onoja, disclosed that his team has mounted 24-hour surveillance over the affected sites pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s inquiry.

Alake urged residents to avoid the area due to the environmental and health risks posed by the illegal operations. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending illegal mining and repositioning the sector for economic growth, adding that satellite surveillance technology would soon be deployed to monitor mining activities nationwide and boost enforcement.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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