By Samuel Adeola
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) mining marshals have shut down an unauthorised quarry site in Kuje Area Council, FCT.
Assistant Commandant Attah Onoja, head of the mining marshals, said 13 people linked to the illegal operation were arrested and charged to court. He explained that the site was unlawfully taken over from a licensed mining company and had been exploited for over seven months without approval.
“This operation is part of our broader resolve to enforce mining regulations and ensure that only duly licensed operators are allowed to function,” Onoja said. “We will not permit anyone to undermine lawful businesses or exploit the system with impunity.”
Onoja noted that the clampdown followed months of surveillance, confirming the site had no legal permits or safety measures. He vowed that offenders will be tracked and prosecuted.
The mining marshals, a specialised NSCDC unit, was created to tackle illegal mining and protect national assets. The practice has been linked to revenue loss, environmental harm, and security risks.
Last month, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the federal government will not bow to pressure or blackmail from those benefitting from unregulated mining, stressing that the crackdown will continue.
