FG Shuts Down Illegal Gold Mining Site in Abuja
The Federal Government has closed another illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Abuja, following concerns about environmental dangers and security risks. The action was ordered by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who directed the mining marshals to seal off the site immediately.
This latest operation comes after a similar move on August 16, 2025, when another mining site was shut down in the same Gwagwalada area. During that raid, 16 suspects were arrested, and authorities have confirmed that they will face prosecution soon.
According to a statement signed by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, the illegal mining site was discovered after reports indicated that artisanal miners had invaded the farmland. Preliminary investigations revealed that the miners rushed to the location after a gold vein was accidentally found while digging a soakaway pit near a residential building.
The new site, located behind CKC in Gwagwalada, was quickly secured after intelligence reached the ministry about renewed unlawful mining activities. Acting swiftly, Dr. Alake deployed the mining marshals to ensure that the place was shut down to avoid possible dangers to the community.
Officials from the ministry, led by the Director of Mines Inspectorate’s team and represented by Deputy Director Sunday Okhuoya, visited the site for an on-the-spot inspection. They confirmed that the miners had fully complied with the government’s order to halt operations. Okhuoya also explained that the ministry has launched a thorough investigation to find out how these illegal activities started and to recommend ways of preventing future incidents.
The commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant John Onoja, added that his men had mounted 24-hour surveillance at both sealed sites while the government’s investigation continues. This is to make sure that no further illegal mining activities take place while the inquiry is ongoing.
Minister Alake, in his warning to residents, urged people to stay away from the closed areas for their own safety. He also restated the Federal Government’s commitment to fight illegal mining across the country, stressing that it poses not only environmental threats but also economic risks to Nigeria.
To further strengthen monitoring and enforcement, Alake revealed that the ministry is working on deploying satellite surveillance technology. This advanced system will help track mining activities nationwide, making it easier to detect and shut down illegal operations before they cause serious harm.
The closure of the Gwagwalada illegal mining site highlights the government’s growing determination to protect the environment, safeguard communities, and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources are exploited legally and responsibly.
