The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) mining marshals have closed an unlicensed quarry site in Kuje Area Council, FCT, arresting 13 people linked to the operation.
Mining marshals’ head, Assistant Commandant Attah Onoja, said the site had been illegally seized from a licensed company and exploited for over seven months without approval. He stressed that only authorised operators would be allowed to operate, warning against sabotaging lawful businesses.
Onoja revealed the raid followed months of surveillance, confirming the absence of legal permits or safety standards. He vowed that all offenders would be tracked and prosecuted.
The specialised NSCDC unit was set up to combat illegal mining, which has been tied to revenue loss, environmental damage, and security threats.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, recently reiterated that the federal government will sustain the crackdown despite resistance from vested interests.
