By our reporter 28.8.2025
Artisanal miners have been banned from digging at a site in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The illegal miners invaded the area following the discovery of a gold vein during the construction of a sewage system near a private property.
A statement issued by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake and signed by his aide on media, Segun Tomori said the area was sealed off to prevent environmental degradation.
The ministry said the action came in the wake of an earlier operation by the mining marshals, which led to the successful recovery and sealing of a mining site around the District 2 Extension layout in Gwagwalada on August 16, where 16 suspects were arrested and would be prosecuted soon.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that illegal artisanal miners invaded the area after the accidental discovery of a gold vein during the digging of a soak away pit near a residential property.
“The most recent incident took place on a farmland located behind CKC in Gwagwalada. Upon receiving intelligence reports of renewed unlawful mining activity, Alake promptly ordered the deployment of mining marshals to secure the site,” the ministry stated.
The ministry said officials, led by the Director of Mines Inspectorate and represented by the Deputy Director, Sunday Okhuoya, carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the area on Wednesday.
In view of the potential environmental and public health risks associated with the illegal mining operations, the minister advised residents to steer clear of the affected areas while enforcement and remediation efforts are underway.
FG officials search for Illegal miners.