By Olokuta Rofiat and Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, on Wednesday ordered mining marshals to seal an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Abuja, following reports of unauthorized activity and potential environmental hazards.
According to Segun Tomori, the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, the directive was issued after intelligence revealed renewed illegal mining on farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada.
This follows a similar operation on August 16, 2025, in the District 2 Extension layout of Gwagwalada, where 16 suspects were arrested and a site sealed.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution.
Preliminary investigations indicate that artisanal miners invaded the area after discovering a gold vein while digging a soak-away pit near a residential property.
In response, Dr. Alake deployed mining marshals to secure the site. Ministry officials, led by Deputy Director Sunday Okhuoya, representing the Director of Mines Inspectorate, conducted an on-site inspection and confirmed full compliance with the minister’s orders.
A comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the root causes of the illegal operations and recommend measures to prevent recurrence.
Assistant Commandant of Corps and Commander of the Mining Marshals, John Attah Onoja, confirmed that 24-hour surveillance has been established at both affected locations pending further government inquiry.
Highlighting environmental and public health concerns, Dr. Alake urged residents to avoid the sealed areas.
He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to eliminating illegal mining nationwide and disclosed that satellite surveillance technology will soon be deployed to enhance monitoring and enforcement.
