The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has ordered the closure of an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following reports of renewed unlawful activity in the area.
The directive came after mining marshals earlier sealed a site at District 2 Extension layout, Gwagwalada, on August 16, where 16 suspects were arrested and are set to face prosecution.
Preliminary findings showed that the illegal operations began after a gold vein was accidentally discovered during the digging of a soak-away pit near a residential property. The most recent activity was uncovered on a farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada.
Acting on intelligence reports, Alake ordered the immediate deployment of mining marshals, who have since mounted 24-hour surveillance on both sites. Ministry officials, led by Deputy Director Sunday Okhuoya of the Mines Inspectorate, inspected the area on Wednesday and confirmed compliance with the minister’s directive.
The ministry has also launched an investigation into the incidents and is considering measures to prevent recurrence.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Attah Onoja, said his team is maintaining strict security at the affected sites pending the outcome of the federal government’s inquiry.
Cautioning residents to avoid the areas due to potential environmental and health risks, Alake reaffirmed government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining nationwide. He added that the ministry is accelerating plans to deploy satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining activities and strengthen enforcement.
