The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has directed the deployment of mining marshals to seal off an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, to mitigate potential environmental hazards.

This move follows an earlier operation on August 16, 2025, where another site was successfully recovered and sealed in the District 2 Extension layout in Gwagwalada, resulting in the arrest of sixteen suspects.

According to a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, “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.”

Preliminary findings revealed that artisanal miners invaded the Gwagwalada area after a gold vein was accidentally discovered during the digging of a soakaway pit near a residential property. The latest incident occurred on farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada. Upon receiving intelligence on renewed unlawful mining activity, “Alake promptly ordered the deployment of mining marshals to secure the site.”

During an on-the-spot assessment, officials of the ministry, led by the Director of Mines Inspectorate, represented by the 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.”

Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah Onoja, confirmed that “his team has established 24-hour surveillance over both affected sites, pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s ongoing inquiry.” Cautioning residents, Alake noted the environmental and public health risks posed by such illegal activities and advised them to “steer clear of the affected areas while enforcement and remediation efforts are underway.”

The minister further emphasised the government’s resolve, stating that “the Federal Government’s firm resolve to eradicate illegal mining activities across the country, asserting that the ministry is fast-tracking the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining operations nationwide and significantly strengthen enforcement capacity.”

This development is part of the government’s broader effort to revitalise the solid minerals sector and curb illegal mining activities. In March 2025, the Federal Executive Council approved N2.5 billion for the procurement of satellite gadgets to combat illegal mining.

The government has been cracking down on illegal mining activities, with over 300 illegal operators arrested since the deployment of over 2,000 trained mine marshals. The government aims to revitalise the mining sector and position it as a cornerstone of economic growth.