ABUJA, Nigeria (Chatnewstv.com) — Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the sealing of an illegal gold mining site in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory to prevent environmental hazards.
The directive, issued Wednesday, followed intelligence reports of renewed unlawful mining activity after artisanal miners reportedly discovered a gold vein while digging a soakaway pit near a residential property.
“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,” a ministry statement said.
Authorities confirmed the latest incident occurred on farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada. Earlier this month, mining marshals sealed another site in the same district, where 16 suspects were arrested and are awaiting prosecution.
During an on-the-spot inspection Wednesday, ministry officials said investigations were underway to uncover the cause of the incidents and prevent a recurrence. “Relevant departments of the ministry have launched a thorough investigation to unravel the root of these incidents,” said Deputy Director of Mines Inspectorate Sunday Okhuoya.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant John Onoja, said his team had established 24-hour surveillance over the affected sites “pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s ongoing inquiry.”
Alake cautioned residents to stay away from the sealed areas and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to curbing illegal mining nationwide. He added that the ministry is fast-tracking satellite surveillance technology to strengthen enforcement.
